Local youth organization invites community to take polar plunge for suicide prevention

IDAHO FALLS – Community Youth in Action wants you to “break the ice” for mental health and suicide prevention.

The nonprofit is hosting a polar plunge event this Saturday at Gem Lake in Idaho Falls. The event’s purpose is to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. Participants will jump in the lake and listen to speakers touting the health benefits of cold water exposure.

Jasmine Lima, 17, is CYA’s social media coordinator. She’s helping to organize the event and is looking forward to learning about the benefits of cold water exposure on mental health.

“We have several people on staff who know all the benefits of polar plunging,” Jasmine tells EastIdahoNews.com.

The Center for Hope and other vendors will be there, including a search and rescue team to ensure everyone’s safety in the water.

“We’re going to have a heated tent so people don’t freeze to death. We’ll have soups and coco. The first 50 sign-ups will receive a wellness gift bag with some goodies, a beanie and some other (swag and resources),” Jasmine says.

Raising awareness of mental health and suicide prevention is the mission of CYA. Jasmine and her team host various events throughout the year in hopes of “building stronger communities” for teens.

Jasmine points to the recent suicide of a local teen, which she says shows just how prevalent the issue is and why events like this are important.

“We had an idea and wanted to have an event to support our community,” says Jasmine.

The event is free and open to anyone who wants to attend. It’s happening from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 2761 West 49th South.

Jasmine is hoping for a good turnout.

To sign up or learn more, click here or use the QR code below.

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