‘We’re here!’
10th annual suicide prevention walk
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HOUGHTON -- Over 100 people joined Copper Shores at its 10th annual Suicide Prevention Walk Saturday. The event encouraged people to reach out to friends, family and those in need within the community in order to fight the stigma surrounding suicide.
Youth Development Specialist Calliso Cortez said fighting the stigma starts small. "It's not being afraid of talking about it. That's the biggest thing," she said. "We're not afraid to let people know we're here and we support them and we will always be here."
Before the walk started, students from the CCISD Green Bandana Project spoke to the crowd and gave words of encouragement to those trying to spread awareness. "Seeing people come together for this cause is really amazing," Chassell High School Junior Paisley Jouppe said. "All of us together are hoping to send a message that no one has to go through their toughest moments alone."
The Green Bandana Project was started in 2014. Soon, the message of suicide awareness and prevention spread to schools across the country, including in the Copper Country.
Another student, Hancock High School Sophomore Brielle Arceci, said younger students may not think there is anyone to turn to with their mental health challenges. "Mental health is something that affects everyone, especially teenagers," she said. "Although we can't always see it, everyone has their own battles we know nothing about."
After the speeches, Copper Shores held a moment of silence for victims of suicide, where bubbles were also blown into the sky as a part of the tribute. Cortez said help is available to those who need it in the Keweenaw. She pointed to initiatives and partners, such as Unité Mental Health and Wellness, Omega House Grief Alliance and Keweenaw Support for Health Minds.
"If you are thinking about suicide and [think] there's something wrong with you -- there's not," she said. "You might be experiencing a mental health challenge and that is something you need help with. You need to talk to somebody, whether it's a counsellor, a therapist or your physician. Just getting those steps and not being afraid of it I think is the biggest thing."
The crowd marched from Ray Kestner Waterfront Park to the north end of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and back in solidarity with each other. They carried banners and signs, letting drivers and on-lookers know they are also not alone if they are struggling.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, dial 988 or text "HOME" to 741741. Copper Shores has resources for mental health and suicide at coppershores.org/resources#suicide-resources.