BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- The Iron Mind walk to raise awareness about suicide prevention proved to be a huge success during the inaugural event, with hundreds of volunteers converging on downtown Massena during October's Fall Festival event.

Iron Mind's organizer Todd Mullin was on hand during the December meeting of the village board of trustees to offer his thanks for the support offered by village officials.

"I'd like to thank the board. I'd like to thank you for our permit for our first annual suicide prevention walk. The fire department, the police department, I can't thank you all enough," Mullin said.

A self-described "everyman," Mullin said he "isn't a t-shirt salesman or event organizer" but came into the event with a "plan and a vision" of what he hoped it would become.

After six months of planning, the event went off without a hitch, he said.

"We made it come true and it was wonderful," he said.

Mullin said he estimated at least 350 people were on hand for the walk, helping to create awareness for suicide prevention efforts.

"We definitely created awareness, that's for sure," he said.

Mullin said the entire event went even better than he could have hoped and commented that everyone involved were incredibly polite and courteous.

"I had to go back to Sacred Heart Church and pick up some tables and a tent we had there. You talk about amazing, we had 350 people show up and there wasn't one piece of garbage," Mullin said.

Mullin also complimented Department of Public Works Superintendent Marty Miller and DPW crews for their work.

As for future iterations, Mullin said they are already in the works.

"We're talking with Jason Hendricks and we're planning to do another event this year, hopefully tied with Pumpkinpalooza," Mullin said.

Mayor Greg Paquin said he was very excited for those events, commenting that he felt they fit perfectly with Fall Fest.

"I was just going to say, I think that just worked beautifully with the festival. I think it was fantastic," Paquin said.

Mullin said he hopes to continue to expand on the project and continue to raise awareness as time goes on.

"There's maybe a few little things we can do and plan a little better. Like I said, I'm not a planner but we actually have someone else, a friend of ours, who is going to assist us. But, I think we got all of the legwork done, so it will be much easier next time," Mulllin said.

He commented that the event had a big impact on his family as well.

"I want to thank everybody. I really appreciate it. It really meant the world to our family, so thank you all," he said.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help can be found by calling, texting or chatting with a counselor by dialing 988.

For more information, visit 988lifeline.org/utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=onebox

Help can also be found by visiting the Behavioral Health Urgent Care, located at 1003 Park Street in Ogdensburg or by driving to your nearest emergency department.

Outpatient treatment can also be sought with St. Lawrence County Mental Health by calling (315) 386, 2167, St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in Gouverneur, Massena and Ogdensburg by calling (315) 541-2001, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center by calling (315) 393-3600, Catholic Charities in Ogdensburg by calling (315) 393-2660 or by calling United Helpers in Canton and Ogdensburg by calling (315) 393-3074.

Other services can be sought with St. Lawrence Health by calling (315) 261-5405 for the Potsdam location or (315) 261-5407 for the Gouverneur location.

Citizens Advocates also offers services in Massena and can be reached by calling (315) 764-8076.

Inpatient treatment can be found by calling the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center at (315) 541-2001 or Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center by calling (315) 393-3600.

For more information about Iron Mind Events, visit www.ironmindevents.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHs-5BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcrezInl16Uvitrs4ZXV4RSGO2THESIRscvYRFURI2a5U1EM7Ydu9BXopw_aem_C5n04SbI8zAjfNUNyEhTNg

Special events to raise awareness are also hosted by the St. Lawrence County Suicide Awareness Coalition. 

More information can be found by visiting stlawco.gov/Departments/CommunityServices/STLCSAC.