Paullina, Iowa – On July 30, 2022, The O’Brien County Suicide Prevention Coalition and O’Brien County Conservation are hosting a 5K Glow Run/Walk Event at Mill Creek State Park in Paullina, Iowa. Proceeds from this event will aid The Coalition’s efforts to raise awareness, provide training and education, and eliminate stigma.
Race day registration will begin at 7:30 P.M. and the event will begin at 9:00 P.M. During the event, the community is invited to join the coalition in lighting lanterns. Lanterns represent those who have been lost to suicide, those who are affected by suicide, and for those who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide.
The O’Brien County Suicide Prevention Coalition was formed in the fall of 2021. A small group of individuals came together to discuss a common concern in O’Brien County, increased suicide attempts and suicide deaths. In 2020, the suicide rate in Iowa rose to 13.5 per 100,000 individuals. One person every 18 hours dies by suicide in our state. The suicide rate in O’Brien County has increased by 10% and is much higher than our state average. The average number of youths in O’Brien County who reported that they considered suicide in the last twelve months is also higher than the state average.
The O’Brien County Suicide Prevention Coalition believes there is great importance in developing intentional suicide prevention and response in our County. The Coalition aims to have a positive impact on O’Brien County through outreach, education, training and eliminating stigma. O’Brien County SPC wants to form strong networks within our communities to reach as many individuals as possible to prevent suicide and respond in the most caring and compassionate way possible. Resources will be available at the race, and each entrant will receive a resource bag.
For more information please visit The O’Brien County Suicide Prevention Coalition Facebook page.