Joining together, walking in the fresh air, supporting one another, healing, raising awareness and educating are all components to suicide prevention walks. Just the simple act of walking can be empowering, which is why so many participate every year.

Right here in Utah County, Hope4Utah’s annual Walk4Hope has been a tradition for 22 years. The annual walk is a way to bring awareness to suicide in the community and promote the message of suicide prevention. Many individuals, families, students, mental health professionals, and those who want to show support attend every year.

Hope4Utah’s Hope Squads, which is celebrating 22 years, is a suicide prevention program that is in over 2,500 schools in the United States. Additionally, Hope4Utah works with senior centers, military, corporations and the Utah County Sheriff’s Office to help prevent suicide.

This year’s Walk4Hope will be held on September 26, with registration beginning at 8:45 a.m., a short program at 9:30 a.m. and the walk at 10 a.m. The walk will begin at Timpanogos Elementary School, 449 N. 500 West, Provo. Everyone is invited to the community walk, even if they aren’t able to participate in the actual walking. There is no cost to attend and participate.

Every step brings hope. That’s the idea and that’s the reason so many participate every year. Walkers want to let others know that there is always hope, they are not alone, and there is help available.

The Utah Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention organizes seven community walks across the state each fall and hosts the Hike for Hope in May. The next Out of the Darkness walk will be held on September 19 in Vernal, followed by a walk in Syracuse on September 26 and a Moab walk that same day. More information can be found at afsp.org.