DHHS NEWS RELEASE
CARSON CITY — Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director Mike Willden announced today that on Saturday, September 15, 2012, nine Nevada communities will take part in the sixth annual “Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope” event as part of National Suicide Prevention Week and Suicide Prevention Week in Nevada. In the United States, someone dies by suicide every 14 minutes, accounting for more than 37,000 deaths annually. In fact, in the U.S., twice as many people die from suicide than homicide. In 2009, more than 500 Nevadans died as a result of suicide.
The purpose of the walk is to call greater attention and awareness to the devastating effect suicide has on our communities, and to remember loved-ones lost to suicide. Memory walks will take place in Elko, Las Vegas, Douglas County, Pahrump, Winnemucca, Yerington, Pyramid Lake (Nixon), Mesquite and Reno.
The Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention, a nonprofit organization that supports education, survivor bereavement and awareness programs throughout Nevada, is hosting the various walking events. Walk participants are asked to donate $20, although a donation is not required to take part in the event. All donations will be used to help fund various Coalition programs in communities throughout the state.
For more information about sponsoring or participating in the “Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope” event, go to www.nvsuicideprevention.org or call the Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention at (775) 443-7843 or (702) 486-8225. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).