Join the Suicide Prevention Action Network of North Idaho at its annual Break the Silence 5K walk to end suicide and raise awareness Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. in Riverstone Park. The walk is in remembrance of those lost to suicide, supports those touched by suicide, reduces the stigma associated with suicide and creates much needed resources to prevent suicide. Gov. Brad Little will be in attendance to sign a Suicide Prevention Awareness Day proclamation.

“We chose not to hold the walk the past two years due to the pandemic, so we are excited to bring the event back,” said Don Duffy, Panhandle Health District director. “Many people in our community have been touched by suicide. The walk is a way to bring all of us together, honor those we’ve lost, and continue to move towards our goal of zero suicide.”

The Suicide Prevention Action Network, or SPAN, walk is a way for people to connect with each other and with evidence-based resources focused on mental health. Local organizations will be in attendance and participants will have an opportunity to visit with them throughout the morning. Attendees will also enjoy music, snacks, coffee, water and opportunities to honor loved ones.

In 2019, Idaho had the 11th highest suicide rate in the United States. Suicide in Idaho is the ninth most common cause of death and Idaho’s rate of suicide is 1.4 times higher than the national average. The state saw a rise from 233 to 277 suicides involving a gun between 2019 and 2020, according to the CDC’s interactive Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System, or WISQARS.

SPAN of North Idaho is trying to change those statistics by educating and advocating for the community.

“The SPAN program not only reviews data on completed suicides in our area, but also suicide attempts and ideation that present at emergency departments,” Duffy said. “This allows us to better understand who is at risk and develop more targeted interventions.”

Suicide is a major challenge to public health. It contributes to premature death, morbidity, lost productivity and health care costs. Suicide causes are complex and determined by multiple factors. The goal of suicide prevention is to reduce factors that increase risk and strengthen support factors. Everyone has a role in preventing suicide.

To register for the event visit www.spannorthidaho.com.

On-site registration the day of the event is available beginning at 8:30 a.m. Registration is free. This year’s Break the Silence walk shirts are available for purchase.