Daily Press file photo Participants are shown in a past End the Silence Walk/Run in Escanaba’s Ludington Park. This year’s event takes place Saturday, Sept. 11.

ESCANABA — End the Silence, a Depression Awareness and Suicide Prevention Walk, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 11. The event will be held at the Ludington Park Pavilion in Escanaba at the end of National Suicide Prevention Week. Money raised from the walk provides funding for the Delta County Suicide Prevention Taskforce.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 44,965 people die by suicide each year. This means that someone dies from suicide every 12 minutes, and for every completed suicide, there are 25 attempts. Psychological autopsy studies show that more than 90% of completed suicides had one or more mental disorders. Suicide is preventable and is a disease that affects the whole community. Family and friends left behind from someone who completes suicide can leave themselves at a higher risk of suicide or emotional problems.

This year’s event will illustrate the ongoing problem of veteran suicide. The main speaker, Ronald “Jim” Harsh, MSW, LCSW, director of Escanaba Vet Center, will discuss veteran suicide and the readjustment counseling services for veterans and families that the Escanaba Vet Center can provide. In addition, participants will also get to hear from Sara Deno, author of “Survivor of Suicide: I Attempted, She Committed,” about her personal story and experiences.

Agencies and community organizations that will be providing free educational materials on depression and other related topics at the event include: The Delta County Suicide Prevention Task Force, Celebrate Recovery, Communities that Care, Pathways, Bellin Health, Hannahville Behavior Health, Veterans Affairs, Survivor of Suicide Bereavement Group, and Victim’s Service Unit. Also, the Upper Peninsula Lifesaver quilts will be on display.

Registration for the event begins at 9 a.m., which will occur rain or shine. The opening ceremony will start at 10 a.m. with the non-competitive walk/run to follow. Registration fees are $25 per person, $10 per child up to 16 years old, and $50 per family of four ($10 for each additional person). Group rates are available. Registration fees are waived with pledges of $50 or more, collection of pledges optional. Pre-registration will secure your requested t-shirt size. T-shirts will be given with paid registration. Tax-exempt contributions are welcomed.

In addition to the walk/run, there will be a brat fry, bucket raffles, bake sale, kids activities, and face painting during the event.

“Our goal is to have our day be a healing and positive environment for all those affected by suicide,” organizers said.

Over the last 12 years, over $200,000 has been raised to support the Delta County Suicide Prevention Taskforce initiatives. The money raised has funded numerous presentations by the Delta County Suicide Prevention Taskforce at local schools, colleges, community events, medical and police personnel, and various organizations, educating thousands on depression and suicide. They also continue to fund school counseling to students at the ISD, Escanaba Middle, and High Schools.

To register or obtain more information, contact the End the Silence Walk by mail at 1215 North 18th Street, Escanaba, MI 49829, at www.endthesilencewalk.com, via e-mail endthesilencewalk@hotmail.com; or by calling (906) 789-0003.