Culbertson JMG Joins Suicide Awareness Event
Culbertson educators Tessa Palmer Rumsey, Tiffany Nielsen and Mary Machart have invited area residents to join a social distancing event planned to raise awareness for suicide prevention. The effort extends the activity’s reach beyond the boundaries of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
Clover Anaquod told the Northern Plains Independent last week that a reservation- wide walk/cruise activity to raise awareness for suicide prevention is planned for Saturday, June 6. She said participants are encouraged to begin as early as 8 a.m. and join in as late as 8 p.m.
Anaquod said people should place signs of support in their home and car windows or carry signs with them while walking. Previous walks and events have involved crowds and large groups, with an organized route at the center of the activities. For COVID-19-related social distancing reasons, this event was designed to focus on individual and small group participation.
“It’s all individual,” said Anaquod. “Everyone is encouraged to walk in their neighborhoods.”
Local businesses are also encouraged to put signs in their windows to show support for the walk/cruise.
Said Machart, “Fort Peck Reservation has initiated this event and JMG wants to bring it to the east side of the county!”
The event was organized and advertised with the assistance of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Sister Nation Empowerment Project and Jobs for Montana Graduates. The national suicide lifeline is 800-273-8255. You can also text HELLO to 741741.
For more information, visit the JMG Social Distancing Suicide Awareness Walk/Cruise Facebook page and/or the Fort Peck Reservation Suicide Awareness Prevention Walk/ Cruise Facebook page.
