“Break the Silence” 5K walk breaks down communication barriers for suicide survivors

The tenth annual “Break the Silence” suicide prevention and awareness 5K walk was held at River Stone Park Saturday to raise funding for suicide preventative programs in the local community.

“Latest events have encouraged involvement in people who are walking [at the event] as well as volunteering,” Don Duffy, event organizer.

Latest events including the suicide of Coeur d’Alene high school principal Troy Schueller in March of 2018.

According to a 2015 study done by the Idaho Division of Public Health, Idaho has the fifth highest average of suicide rates in the country with a five-year average rate in Coeur d’Alene of 22.4.

“It’s not just about those who have considered suicide, but it’s also about those who have survived those who are left behind,” said Duffy. “This event is about reducing the stigma around suicide; it’s about helping people to talk about what their concerns are.”

Many businesses and programs had booths set up at the event such as Suicide Prevention Line, Idaho Youth Ranch, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and others offering tools for suicide survivor aid. Sue Morgan DePew, a member of Moms Demand Action, explained why her gun safety and gun violence prevention organization was a part of the “Break the Silence: 2018.”

“We promote more common-sense gun laws, like red flags such as domestic abusers, mental illness, if people pose a risk to you or others,” DePew explained. “We are all about child prevention from gun violence…recognizing the risk of teen suicide and talking about it with your peers.”

According to Katherine Hoyer, Panhandle Health District public information officer, over 500 participants got involved in this year’s event. The event ended up raising over $7,000 from corporate donations, not including the day’s proceeds from the $25 donation fee for registration and the event shirt.

“Awareness is so important. Kids need to know they can come to their teachers and their parents about this,” Teresa Huff, event participator, said. When asked about how the event made her feel as someone who had experienced the effects of suicide in their life Huff answered, “I feel supported, encouraged and hopeful.”