April 18, 2020

Lee’s Summit CARES, in partnership with the LSR-7 High Schools, have redesigned their annual suicide prevention and mental-health awareness event to allow for social distancing this spring. A Virtual Wellness Walk, scheduled from 9 to 10 a.m. April 25, is replacing the organization’s in-person community event.

Participants are asked to walk in their neighborhoods or even their homes, all while practicing social distancing. Walkers will join other community members and walk 1 mile or 2,500 steps to support suicide prevention and mental health awareness within the Lee’s Summit area.

In addition to Lee’s Summit CARES, the Wellness Walk is co-sponsored by ReDiscover, Zero Reasons Why, Lee’s Summit High School, Lee’s Summit North High School and Lee’s Summit West High School. This is the third annual Lee’s Summit Wellness Walk.

Individuals planning to participate may sign up for the Virtual Wellness Walk at this Facebook event site or via this webpage. Lee’s Summit CARES will host several livestreams on Instagram and Facebook during the April 25 event.

Walkers have the opportunity to display their support by sharing videos and pictures on their social media. Please tag @LeesSummitCares and use the hashtag #KCWalksFor and share why you support this important cause. High-school students and staff members are encouraged to tag their high schools.

Walkers have the opportunity to wear specific colors that morning depending on their own experiences: yellow if they have lost someone, green if they struggle with these issues and purple for supporters of mental health and suicide awareness.

Lee’s Summit CARES is a community coalition dedicated to preventing youth substance use and violence, promoting exemplary character and empowering positive parenting. For more information about the organization, visit http://www.lscares.org/. You may also follow Lee’s Summit CARES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.