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Walk for Wellness and Suicide Prevention ‘founded’ by many

The Sept. 18th edition of the Lacombe Express had a greatly appreciated followup article about the recent Walk for Wellness

The Sept. 18th edition of the Lacombe Express had a greatly appreciated followup article about the recent Walk for Wellness and Suicide Prevention but there was one sentence that I really feel needs to be clarifi ed.

The article included the phrase, “Heather Jackson, who founded the Walk.....”. That is not accurate or how I want others to see it.

The event was born out of necessity and by a coming together of hearts and likeminded people who see the need for change and have committed their time, knowledge and/or personal experience to assist in helping others.

Barb Walker of Lacombe Neighborhood Place, Dawne Adkins of Suicide Information & Education Services in Red Deer and staff from Alberta Health Prevention Services and Mental Health and myself have all worked together to make this happen for the last three years.

It was suggested by me, yes, after my daughter and I attended a similar event in Edmonton after our son died by suicide.

But it was founded by the souls lost to suicide, the people who have attempted or contemplated suicide but found the strength to stay, and the thousands of people whose lives have been forever changed by a loss to suicide.

Without them and the many community members who have stepped up to volunteer, speak their personal truths, push for change and seek answers to this global issue, the Walk would not exist.

So I thank you all and will continue with my colleagues and friends in memory of those we’ve lost and in hopes that we can prevent more losses and more pain.

Heather Jackson

Lacombe