IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The city witnessed a powerful display of community unity yesterday, as nearly 300 individuals came together for the 6th annual Hope 2 Help Suicide Awareness Walk. The event, which has become a local tradition, serves as a crucial fundraiser for suicide loss support initiatives in the region.
In a remarkable show of solidarity, this year’s walk saw the participation of multiple local agencies, including State Police Troopers from the Iron Mountain State Police Post, the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, the Caringhouse, Open Door Life Coaching, the Mountain View Ice Arena’s youth hockey league, the local fire department, and Integrity EMS responders. These dedicated professionals joined forces to raise awareness and support the cause.
The funds raised during this event are earmarked for the creation of a new suicide loss team within the Dickinson sherriff’s department. This specialized team will consist of two individuals available at all times, including at least one person who has experienced a suicide loss. Their mission is to respond promptly to local suicide calls, providing vital assistance to those in need.
The event’s organization was led by the Dickinson-Iron Communities that Care, the local branch of a Coalition that serves 14 counties across the Upper Peninsula. This coalition is dedicated to reducing rates of youth problem behaviors and risk factors, striving to create communities where youth can thrive. Their approach involves conducting youth surveys to identify and target local risks and strengths, followed by the implementation of tested programs designed to foster thriving communities.
For more information about the coalition, visit:
