H.O.P.E. Sqaud of Carbon and Emery County’s 4th Annual “Hope, Walk, and Rock”

The month of September is celebrated for many reasons; school is back in session, the summer is changing into fall, which means football, hunting, and the end of camping and traveling, and the weather is beginning to give a bit of a relief from the heat and yes, pumpkin spice is everywhere.  These are all things the mass majority of people embrace in September.
For some in Carbon and Emery County, this is not the case.  September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  Across the country, there are activities, walks/runs, candlelight vigils, and memorials taking place to educate, comfort, and grieve the lives lost to suicide.  Carbon and Emery County is no exception.  On Friday, September 8, 2017, the H.O.P.E Squad of Carbon and Emery County hosted their 4^th Annual “Hope Walk & Rock” walk.  The crowd of approximately 75 people gathered at the Price Peace Gardens and were embraced by Debbie Marvidikis and Kathy Donathan. 
With yellow ribbons pinned to all in attendance, (yellow, being the official colored ribbon for Suicide Awareness along with teal and purple) Mrs. Marvidikis, the Health Promotions Manager for the Southeastern Utah Health Department welcomed all for attending.  She spent a few minutes reminding the group of the H.O.P.E. Squad’s purpose and shared startling facts with regard to suicides in Carbon and Emery County stating that in 2016, 15 lives were lost to suicide in our area.  She then turned the microphone over to Molly McClish.  Molly’s thirteen year old daughter Lily McClish completed suicide in January of 2017.  Mrs. McClish, a former teacher in Moab adamantly shared that more needs done in our schools to help our youth.  Because suicide is the number one cause of death among ages 10-24 and second among ages 25-44 in Utah, it would make sense that in the schools is where we, as a community, parents, teachers, and peers can have the most influence over their behaviors, thoughts, and actions and ultimately be ready with prevention training.  She concluded with a beautiful reading about grieving.
The crowd, which consisted of all ages, made their way north on 100 East towards Pioneer Park.  Once settled, Mrs. Marvidikis invited the attendees to share loved one’s name and their struggle to make sense of their new life post suicide whether attempted, survived, and or losing one to suicide.  After all the speakers, balloons were passed out and a minute of silence followed to pay respect to the loved ones.  At the end of the minute, a plethora of yellow balloons filled Price City’s sky.  The evening continued with a brisket dinner generously provided by Castleview Hospital and music streaming through the air courtesy of Andrew Lasslo’s band.  Tears, hugs, and understanding saturated this community and for just a moment, HOPE was in the air.
Carbon and Emery Counties are the highest in the state as far as suicides per capita.  The state of Utah is ranked number five in the nation for highest suicide rates.  Overall, suicide is the seventh leading cause of death in Utah.  Programs like the H.O.P.E. Squad of Carbon and Emery County are vital in conducting trainings on suicide prevention and awareness.  It is comprised of counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and others involved in the Mental Health profession as well as community members that just want to make a difference.  Combined, they are a pool of helpful information and are aware of the various routes to seek when combating a mental illness or grieving losses. 
If you are interested in obtaining more information, whether for yourself or another, please feel free to contact Debbie Marvidikis or Kathy Donathan at the Southeastern Utah Health Department at 435-637-3671 or follow them on Facebook by searching Hope Squad of Carbon/Emery.  The next H.O.P.E. Squad meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 10^th, 2017 at 8:30am at the health district’s office in Price. The H.O.P.E. Squad (which stands for Hold On, Pain Ends) welcomes all who would like to join.