Community Hospital Behavioral Health is proud to announce the inaugural "Hope and Healing Walk". This significant event will take place on Tuesday, September 10, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, with registration beginning at 5:30 PM. The event will be held at Community Hospital, Temporary Shell Space (entered through the Convenient Care location north of the McCook Clinic).

The "Hope and Healing Walk" aims to promote prevention, awareness, and remembrance in the fight against suicide. This event is especially poignant as it coincides with National Suicide Awareness Day. “This walk is important for our community because suicide can impact anyone, anytime. By coming together, learning about suicide and warning signs as well as remembering those we have lost, it helps to know that you are not alone, you don’t have to fight alone, there are people willing to help and support you,” explains Cathy Jibben, Community Hospital Nurse Practitioner. She goes on to say, “The semi-colon that represents suicide awareness is meaningful. It means you have had a life journey that may be difficult, and you are struggling figuring out how to go on; it doesn’t have to be the end of your story. Reach out for help, lean on those around you, seek professional help if you need it, you are not alone in your journey”.

Suicide prevention is a critical issue that affects individuals and families nationwide. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the leading privately funded agency for suicide prevention research, supports event such as this organizing "Out of the Darkness” walks across the country to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

Register and receive information and handouts.
Use honor beads and stickers to express why they are participating.
Hear a short presentation from Jibben
Walk through the healing garden and along Norris Avenue to Norris Park.
Use chalk to write messages of remembrance and support
The walk will conclude back at the hospital, where participants can reflect on the experience and connect with available resources. This event is a step towards building a stronger, more aware community, united in the fight against suicide.

For more information, please contact Community Hospital Behavioral Health at 308.344.8286.