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Contributed photo.
Story by Lori Schummer, Director of Public Relations and Customer Service, West Michigan Community Mental Health
LUDINGTON — West Michigan Community Mental Health will bring its annual Walk of Hope back to Ludington in September, offering an evening focused on suicide prevention, mental health awareness and connecting residents with community resources.
The third annual Walk of Hope will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Waterfront Park, 391 S. William St. The event is free and open to the public.
A symbolic community walk will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed at 6 p.m. by speakers sharing their lived experiences with behavioral health challenges, recovery and suicide prevention.
The Walk of Hope was created to remind people affected by suicide and behavioral health challenges that they are not alone and that help is available. The event also seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and make it easier for residents to connect with local support services.
The evening will include live music by Third Coast Swing and free hot dogs served by the Lakeside Wiener Wagon. Other activities will include a Hope Tent, safety promotion resources and information tables staffed by community organizations.
Community partners expected to participate include COVE, the Leeward Initiative, District Health Department No. 10, Lakeshore Food Club, Quality Behavioral Health, Staircase Youth Services, the DHD No. 10 Mobile Clinic, Blue Hat Ministries, Sand Bar and Farmworker Outreach. Additional organizations are expected to participate.
Attendees will be able to meet representatives of local organizations, learn about available programs and services, participate in the walk along Ludington’s waterfront and hear messages centered on resilience, recovery and hope. Free safety promotion items and educational materials also will be available.
Organizers said collaboration among community organizations, businesses, service providers and residents is a central part of the Walk of Hope and helps reinforce the message that people facing mental health challenges do not have to face them alone.
Attendance increased significantly at last year’s event and organizers hope to build on that growth this year by encouraging more open conversations about mental health, suicide prevention and available support.
The event is intended for people who have been personally affected by suicide, those supporting friends or family members, residents interested in learning about community resources and anyone wishing to show support for mental wellness and suicide prevention.
The Walk of Hope’s message is: “Together We Walk. Together We Remember. Together We Hope.”
Organizations interested in having a resource table at the Sept. 8 event or seeking additional information may contact Lori Schummer at 231-845-6294.
The Walk of Hope is funded by the Lee & Joan Schoenherr Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County and Jamesport Brewing Company.
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