PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- Central South Dakota residents Jessica Rumpca of Pierre and Carmen Peterson of Philip will be taking part with 10 others in The 437 project, a cross state run to raise money for the Helpline Center. The event is entering its third year and Rumpca says funds collected over the years have supported the Helpline’s efforts in many ways.
Nine Hope Squads have been established in Sioux Falls since and with runners from across South Dakota taking part Rumpca is hopeful Hope Squads can be set up throughout the state.
As a Family Medicine Practitioner, Rumpca sees mental health issues daily at work and says despite efforts to bring suicide out of the darkness of taboo, more needs to be done.
The 437 Project is September 19th through the 22nd and will include a stop in Pierre along it’s nearly 450 mile path across South Dakota.