PICK'M Up Coalition to hold suicide prevention awareness walk/run in Pine City

The PICK’M Up Coalition will hold a suicide prevention awareness run and walk in Pine City on Saturday.

The event is free and open to the public, and will begin with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. at Robinson Park.

According to Amanda Stevenson, who works as the Region 7E adult mental health initiative planner, vendors will be at the park starting at 8:30 a.m.

"No one has to pre-register in order to participate," Stevenson said. "People are welcome to join us the day of, if they'd like."

The goal of the walk is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those affected by suicide.

"Anyone is welcome to join our coalition," Stevenson said. "People from all walks of life are welcome, and if you want to end suicide, that's where you should be."

The PICK'M Up Coalition brings together individuals and organizations across the five-county region of its namesake to work toward preventing suicide.

The coalition meets virtually on the third Friday of every month from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. They'll also meet in person on Friday, Oct. 17, at 9 a.m. at the Isanti County courthouse.

"The coalition covers the five-county region, so Pine, Isanti, Chisago, Kanabec, and Mille Lacs," said Brianne McClellan, who works as the East Central regional suicide prevention coordinator. "Basically, as a coalition, we try and get out different resources regarding mental health and suicide prevention, as well as put on different events to get community participation, like the walk that's happening."

McClellan said that between 2018 and 2023, 198 people died by suicide in the region. That's a rate of about 19.2 per 100,000, which is higher than the state rate of 13.9.

"People between ages 35 and 44 have had the highest rate of suicide in the five-county area, with most of those deaths occurring between ages 35 and 39," she said.

Available resources

McClellan is located at Kanabec County's public health office, and is able to connect residents with suicide prevention and mental health resources.

"I can get different local resources if they need them, or different tips on how to cope with things or build resiliency," McClellan said.

Stevenson also pointed those looking for resources in the direction of www.adultmentalhealth.org, which is sponsored by the Region 7E Adult Mental Health Initiative.

"If anyone is in need of talking to someone right away, if they call or text 988, they're available 24/7," McClellan added.

McClellan also said the 988 hotline is anonymous, and is often an easier way for someone to start seeking help.

"Just knowing that even if you don't feel like it's going to help, talking to someone and even starting that conversation will help get someone the help or you the help that you need."

Stevenson raised awareness about mobile crisis services available in the five-county region. Canvas Health provides east-central crisis services at no cost, and is available at 1-800-523-3333.

"What's available through that service is a mobile crisis response. They can provide a crisis assessment, but they can also provide short-term stabilization services, and get people connected to other longer-term supports to meet the need," she said.