PAHF supports local runner in suicide prevention mission

Vonda Hamill, PAHF Director, presents Carmen Peterson with a $1,000 donation to the 437 Project.

Each year, over 48,000 people (about twice the seating of Madison Square Garden) take their own lives in the United States. This act leaves many more loved ones behind, struggling to cope with not only the significant loss of someone dear to them, but with many unanswered questions and difficulties accepting the situation they now face.

The 988 Helpline is a nationwide calling center providing 24/7 crisis response to anyone in mental distress. It can be reached through calls, text or chat. Caring counselors answer these worrisome calls. The website helplinecenter.org/loss provides grief information, connections to resourses and a community of shared loss.

In South Dakota, the crisis line answered 10,800 contacts in 2023. Suicide is the leading cause of death in South Dakota residents aged 10 to 24 years. The SD Helpline Center provides many resources and support programs for residents of the state. School-based Hope Squads (peer to peer counseling) as well as mental health trainings for healthcare workers. Suicide postvention and aftercare services are also provided for those loved ones left behind.

Enter the 437 Project. This event provides direct funding to our own state’s helpline and its causes, helping train the volunteer counselors and providing the programs to complete their mission. The 437 Project was initiated in 2021 and strives to raise awareness about physical and mental wellness and the connection between the two.

A group of 12 runners made up of South Dakota community leaders will undertake a relay-style journey that leads them across the 437 miles of South Dakota over four days. Team members connect with communities along the way, braving weather and terrain changes while raising awareness and funds. They will run from Rapid City to Sioux Falls September 19-22. The course will lead them through part of Haakon County, near Bridger, along Highway 34.

Philip’s own team member, Carmen Peterson, joins the 437 Project team this year. Peterson and her family have promoted a culture of running in their own home. She has set and successfully completed many personal goals in her running career and is no stranger to running for a cause. Peterson says that running is her main driver for both physical and mental health.

There is a powerful connection between physical activity and mental health; the mission of this event seemed like a perfect fit. America’s mental health crisis has escalated in recent years, making suicide prevention and awareness even more important to address.

She and her teammates pledge to not only complete the grueling athletic event, running an average of 10 miles for each runner on each of the four days, but they also commit to raising $10,000 apiece for the Helpline.

Philip Area Health Foundation is proud to help sponsor Peterson in this important event by presenting her with a $1,000 gift. If you are interested in helping or would like more information, you can go to the website at www.the437project.org.4

The Helpline Center is South Dakota’s leader in suicide prevention and response. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call 988 anytime, day or night. All South Dakotans have access to the crisis line all day, every day. The service is free and confidential.