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Suicide Prevention Walk

Suicide prevention is everybody's business.

9th annual

Suicide Prevention Walk

Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 1 - 4 p.m.
Ray Kestner Waterfront Park, Houghton

- Connect with valuable local resources dedicated to suicide prevention.
- Show solidarity and a collective commitment to reducing the stigma of suicide.
- Honor those lost and those affected while creating a culture of support and empowerment for those in need.

August 13, 2025

Strength and Solidarity

Ninth annual Suicide Prevention Walk Copper Shores Community Health Foundation and the Houghton Keweenaw Suicide Prevention Coalition are excited to host the ninth annual Suicide Prevention Walk on ...
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UNTIL THE SUICIDE PREVENTION WALK

Meet suicide prevention resources in your community

  • Engage with a diverse array of local suicide prevention resources, brought together through the collective efforts of the Houghton Keweenaw Suicide Prevention Coalition.
  • Connect with passionate individuals and organizations dedicated to making a difference in mental health advocacy.
  • Discuss important issues and learn about available support.

Itinerary

1 p.m. | Opening of Event

Bring your friends and family to connect with local agencies and suicide prevention resources - and be sure to grab a free t-shirt before they run out! Make posters for the walk, enjoy crafts and activities with others. 

2:15 p.m. | Door Prizes

We want to offer a small thank you for joining us on a big day. Try the odds with great raffle prizes for all ages.

2:30 p.m. | Keynote Speaker

Hear from keynote speaker and Social Worker at Copper Country Intermediate School District, Andrew Kalcich, on combating stigma and identifying the signs of ideation in a loved one.

2:40 p.m. | Mindful Moment

Take a moment to pause and reflect with us, remembering and honoring those we have said goodbye to.

3 p.m. | Walk across the Portage Lift Bridge

Walk to the Portage Lift Bridge to show fellow community members support and solidarity in preventing suicide.

3:45 p.m. | Closing of Event

Stay as long as you like, and return to the park when you're ready. Local mental health professionals will stick around in case you need support.

Meet the 2025 keynote speaker - Andrew Kalcich

"I was born and raised in Calumet, Michigan, and have spent the majority of my life in the Copper Country. I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Northern Michigan University and currently help youth develop and apply effective coping strategies for issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. In addition to my work in schools, I have the privilege of supporting individuals throughout the community.

My work is shaped by a deeply personal perspective, rooted in surviving a near attempt on my own life in November 2018. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to sharing my story to help break the stigma surrounding mental health and to emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Though sharing mental health struggles is difficult, I believe it’s through honest, vulnerable conversations that we begin to heal and challenge the stigma.

My hope is that by sharing my journey, others will see that there is light beyond the darkness, and that healing and prosperity is possible."

Andrew Kalcich - 1x1 portrait

2025 Sponsors

Thank you to this year's sponsors:

Aspirus Keweenaw, Copper Country Mental Health, Northwoods Sporting Goods, Walmart, Black Ice Comics, Circle K, M&M Title, Western Collegiate Consulting LLC, Bucko's Party Store, From The Ground - Farmers Market Collective, KC Bonkers, Keweenaw Brewing Company, Miller's Recreation, Surplus Outlet, Koppers, Kurt's Corner, Mariner North, OHM Advisors and Superior National Bank

Photo Album

2024 Suicide Prevention Walk

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The Houghton Keweenaw Suicide Prevention Coalition

The Houghton Keweenaw Suicide Prevention Coalition is made up of mental health experts, community leaders and advocates from across the Copper Country, including members from organizations such as Copper Country Intermediate School District, Keweenaw Support 4 Healthy Minds, Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home, Copper Country Community Mental Health, Western Upper Peninsula Health Department and Copper Shores.

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