Hundreds show up for 5K benefit

By Brandi Makuski

Over 200 walkers and their families registered for the annual “Walk for Hope” at Pfiffner Pioneer Park. 

Michelle Nelson, chair of the Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Awareness of Portage Co., said. the 5K walk helps raise awareness and remove the “stigma” of mental illness.

“We want to relay the message that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about,” Nelson said. “But it is important to reach out for help.”

Nelson also presented the Stevens Point Police Department with the 2015 Providing Hope Award because of the department’s emphasized dedication to mental health awareness.

“When we respond to a call, we’re often interacting with people during their worst moments,” said Interim Chief Marty Skibba. “Requiring crisis intervention training of every officer puts in place a standard whereby we treat everyone with a level of respect we in turn would expect.”

The department began crisis intervention training in 2005.