Suicide Awareness Walk will be held in Decorah

It's being billed as "an opportunity to share stories and remember our loved ones who have died by suicide."

The 1st Annual NE Iowa Step Up--Reach Out Suicide Awareness Walk will be held Saturday, October 10th at 10:00 a.m. from Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health in Decorah on Montgomery Street.

Organizer Robyn Aiels grew up in Decorah.  In 2013 her brother died by suicide.  She participated in suicide awareness walks in Cedar Rapids in 2013 and 2014, speaking at 2014's event.  That's when she met a group of Waukon residents who were walking at the Cedar Rapids event and they began discussing holding a similar walk in NE Iowa.

She brought up the idea to her parents, who after some initial reluctance became big supporters, telling her, "It would be great if you did this."

"So many people have been touched" by suicides in Northeast Iowa, Aiels tells decorahnews.com.  She hopes the October 10th walk will help people "to not feel so alone."

The event will include free will donations at registration, with proceeds benefiting NEIBH with their suicide awareness, education and prevention programs.

But Aiels says the event will focus on suicide awareness.  There will be a roll call of names of people who have died by suicide.  Aiels is hoping the supportive setting will help people who have been afraid to mention a suicide in their family.  "This walk will not only be a symbol of support for those who are struggling, but also an opportunity to share stories and remember our loved ones," says Aiels.

More information is available at the group's Facebook page.