Nevada Health Centers participated in the Zero Suicides Elko County Walk over the weekend. Zero Suicides Elko County is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing a better understanding of suicide, education and preventing suicide within the community.

The walk takes place every year on World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.

This year, twenty employees from Nevada Health Centers participated in the Elko walk on Saturday, September 10. The town of Carlin also held a walk simultaneously. The Elko walk began with a ceremony at the Rose Garden in the Elko City Park. Reece Keener, Elko City Mayor spoke about the importance of mental health within the community and mentioned the Mayors Challenge. The Mayor’s Challenge is meant to expand the Nevada Department of Veterans Services suicide prevention efforts in rural areas while addressing veteran suicide.

After years of advocacy and preparation, 988 is now available nationwide as the new number to contact for mental health, substance use and suicide crises. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. You can also visit the Zero Suicides Elko County website to learn more about the organization and to learn about the different resources that are available in the community.