First H.E.L.P. is a non-profit organization that seeks to reduce mental health stigma with first responders through education, advocating for benefits for those suffering from post-traumatic stress and acknowledging the service. They help the families of first responders who die by suicide and bring awareness to suicide and mental health issues.

Proceeds from this walk will support awareness and prevention programs, which include support for families that have lost a first responder to suicide, training for agencies seeking to prevent suicide and work that leads to bringing the critical awareness of suicide prevention to all first responders.

“As a volunteer of First H.E.L.P., a native of Southeast Missouri, and a law enforcement suicide loss survivor, my children and I are very excited about participating in this walk, and we are honored that so many area departments are supporting a cause so very near and dear to our hearts,” said Bethany Pope, family of Sergeant Michael R. Hood.

The event will take place at the A.C. Brase Arena at 410 Kiwanis Drive, Cape Girardeau, with check-in beginning at 9 a.m. and the walk to begin at 10 a.m. The event is being sponsored by the Southeast Missouri State University Police Department, the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Office, and the Jackson Police Department.

Department of Public Safety is encouraging the Southeast Community to participate in this walk to show support for all the local first responders.

Registration is $30 per person and includes a tee-shirt. Registration and donations can be made at: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2022missouri/

For more information about this event, contact Jyothi E. Dirnberger, M.S., crime prevention officer, University Police at Southeast at (573) 651-2215 or reach out to First H.E.L.P. at contact@1sthelp.org.