Grand County’s suicide prevention and awareness event and hike will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20. This is the fifth annual You Are Not Alone event. It is held during National Suicide Prevention Week and Month.

Community members can gather at Rendezvous Event Center in Winter Park, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The scenic hike is in solidarity of those affected by suicide and will begin at 9:40 a.m. It is about 2.5 miles along the Fraser River Trail, turning around at Cozens Ranch Pond. For those that can’t hike, seating areas will be available.

“There will be ways to remember loved ones lost to suicide and reflect on your own mental health,” stated Middle Park Health, which helped organize the event.

The aim of the event was to help end the stigma surrounding suicide and assure community members they are not alone in their mental health struggles. Community members can also enjoy yoga and healing activities, interactive booths, a bouncy house for children and food.

All community members are welcome and encouraged to join. Registration is not required, but appreciated.

Suicides are higher in rural communities like Grand County, according to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, often due to isolating factors, such as lack of access to medical and mental health services, high cost of living, increased drug and alcohol use, and unrealistic lifestyle expectations.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, 28 people died by suicide in Grand County from 2018 to 2024.

On the positive side, rural towns can create a close-knit sense of community, which Grand County exemplifies through supportive events like these.

To learn more or register for the event, visit MiddleParkMedicalFoundation.org/Events/Hike-Fight-Suicide-2025.