Many people gathered at this year’s Alliance Community Suicide Prevention Walk, coming together to remember those lost to suicide, offer support and to promote the importance of mental health in the community.
Tabi Prochazka, Deputy Director of Health Promotions and Preparedness with Panhandle Public Health District kicked off the walk by highlighting recent accomplishments, such as the growth of HOPE Squads in the schools, and speaking to those gathered about the resources available to those who are struggling with suicidal ideations. She explained that the walk helps to promote suicide prevention efforts.
“It really is to just raise awareness around suicide prevention and stomp out the stigma; bring people together to share memories and discuss, and talk and enjoy some time together,” said Prochazka. “Our suicide rates are high in the Panhandle, Box Butte County specifically, so just raising awareness that nobody’s alone and there are supports out there. There are people that care about you.”
For those who are having thoughts of suicide, 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline, is available as a resource.
“You can always call 988,” Prochazka said. “Somebody’s there all the time for support. If you want more resources, but you’re not ready to call 988, you’re not to that point, Credible Minds is a great resource. You can go to PPHD.org and then go to Credible Mind. It has assessments, and resources and also ties us to our local resources. There are also suicide support groups that are happening across the Panhandle. There is one that is happening in Scottsbluff, and then there is a virtual one that is Panhandle wide. That really is just to bring people together to have that conversation for people who have lost, or who are survivors of suicide.”
