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The 21st annual Walk4Hope will be held on Sept. 20 in Provo.

Courtesy Hope4Utah

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Participating in Hope4Utah's Walk4Hope is one way to help prevent suicide and show support for those affected by it.

Courtesy Hope4Utah

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Hope4Utah’s Hope Squads program operates in more than 2,500 schools throughout the United States.

Courtesy Hope4Utah

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Courtesy Jeremy Hall

There are many reasons people want to walk for hope. Some have lost loved ones to suicide. Some have lived through suicidal thoughts or attempts themselves. Others want to help those who are struggling. Many want to help, but aren’t sure how.

One way to help to prevent suicide and show support for those affected by it is to come together and simply walk, and many people have been doing this in Provo for over two decades at Hope4Utah’s Walk4Hope.

The 21st annual Walk4Hope will be held on Sept. 20 beginning at Timpanogos Elementary School, located at 449 N. 500 West in Provo. Registration is at 9 a.m., and a short program will follow at 9:30 a.m. with Dr. Matt Swenson, a child psychiatrist. Then, the walk begins at 10 a.m. The walk is free and everyone is welcome. There will also be a continental breakfast, free T-shirts, a dove release, onsite mental health providers and a pipe band.

The annual walk is a way to bring awareness to suicide in the community and promote the message of suicide prevention. Participants who have lost someone to suicide are encouraged to bring a photo of their loved one for a memory wall.

So, how can walking help? Being with others who have been affected, lifting each other up, spending time outdoors and thinking about loved ones can be very healing. Also, as walkers travel through the streets of Provo, onlookers will see their messages of hope and their dedication to the cause. This can be healing as well as inspiring.

Hope4Utah’s Hope Squads program, which is celebrating 21 years, is a suicide prevention program primarily for schools. Beginning with a few schools in Provo, Hope Squads are now operating in more than 2,500 schools in the United States.

Additionally, Hope4Utah works with senior centers, the military and corporations to help prevent suicide. Currently, the Utah County Jail is teaming up with Hope4Utah in piloting a suicide prevention program for inmates.

Even with all of the work going on, there is always more that we all can do. Together, we can show support for those affected by suicide. Together, we can spread awareness about the importance of reaching out for help. Together, we can lift others up. Together, we can walk for hope.