Colorado Walkers To Walk 56 Miles

Watch out for walkers on Old U.S. Highway 6 Wednesday. They are bringing awareness to the Grand Junction area one step at a time.

Around 50 or so walkers are ready for the journey. a one way trip 56 miles from Parachute to Grand Junction. The group is organized by Healthier Colorado.

The reason for this endeavor, entitled 'In Our Shoes,' is to raise awareness for a better of understanding of mental health support in Mesa County and other rural parts of Colorado. According the Mesa County Health Department, one of the leading causes of death in the county is suicide. Here are some other shocking statistics from healthymesacounty.org.

• The subjective feeling of loneliness increases risk of death by 26% (Brigham Young University).

• Nearly one in six college students has been diagnosed with or treated for anxiety within the last 12 months (American College Health Association).

• Mesa County's suicide rate is, on average, 3 times the national rate (Mesa County Health Department).

• Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old, and three quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24 (Mentalhealth.gov).

• In the last five years, 213 Mesa County residents completed suicide. Suicide is everyone's business.

Hopefully, by making this trek, this group will raise awareness and some questions about their perceived lack of service to help treat Mesa County people with mental and behavioral problems.