Finding Hope Suicide Prevention 1-Mile Walk

 

Our 2nd Annual Finding Hope Suicide Prevention 1 Mile Walk is on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at LSUE Campus in Eunice, LA.

The Finding Hope Suicide Prevention 1 Mile Walk is a community-focused event about creating connection and finding hope as it is dedicated to raising awareness, honoring lives, and supporting those impacted by suicide and mental health challenges. This uplifting and inclusive gathering welcomes participants of all ages who are family, friends, and supporters of this cause. Along the walk route and throughout the morning, you'll find encouragement, meaningful moments of reflection, and a shared sense of purpose. Proceeds help fund prevention efforts, such as, education presentations and creating local resources that make a real difference in our community.

In 2025, we had nearly 400 participants and raised over $14,000.00. Many participants stated, "This is needed in our community." We found the participation and feedback from the Walk validated that truth. We committed to offering community education on suicide prevention throughout 2026. We are fulfilling that commitment by providing talks on suicide prevention to local churches, organizations, businesses, and schools. We are also training certified Mental Health First Aiders who are among us in our community to be equipped with how to respond to and help those in crisis.

With the money raised in 2026, we'll be adding the following services:

• continued suicide prevention trainings
• support groups on grief for families of loved ones who have died by suicide
• educational groups on mental health topics, such as anxiety, depression, parenting, trauma, and coping strategies

Schedule of Events on Walk Day:

• 8:00 AM - Registration for Walk-Ups Sign In for Pre-registered Participants
  • Opening Welcome and Kickoff Speech
  • Moment of Reflection and Worship Music
  • Presentation of Finding Hope Bracelets and Bubble Exercise
  • 1 Mile Walk Begins
• 10:00 AM - Visit Vendor Booths and Community Resource Tables
  • Educational Breakout Workshops - 
    • Warning Signs of Suicide
    • Demonstration on Having the Difficult Conversation 
    • Learning Effective Coping Strategies and Finding Hope
  • Families of Survivors Sharing Stories
  • Recognition and Appreciation 
• 11:30 AM - Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Join us as we walk toward Finding Hope together—one step at a time—in support, for healing, and into a future where no one has to struggle alone. "One life lost to suicide is one life too many."