StRides Against Suicide & Overdose
When is StRides Against Suicide & Overdose?
StRides Against Suicide & Overdose takes place on Saturday, August 1, 2026 in Valparaiso, IN.
What distances does StRides Against Suicide & Overdose offer?
StRides Against Suicide & Overdose offers 9 events: 1 Mile Walk, Virtual 5K Walk/Run, 5K Walk, 5K Run, Virtual Bike Ride Any Distance, 10 Mile Family Bike Ride, 40 Mile Bike Ride, 60 Mile Bike Ride, 100 Mile Bike Ride.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Mile Walk | 1.0 mi | $40.00 | Register |
| Virtual 5K Walk/Run | 5.0 km | $20.00 | Register |
| 5K Walk | 5.0 km | $40.00 | Register |
| 5K Run | 5.0 km | $40.00 | Register |
| Virtual Bike Ride Any Distance | 10.0 mi | $20.00 | Register |
| 10 Mile Family Bike Ride | 10.0 mi | $40.00 | Register |
| 40 Mile Bike Ride | 40.0 mi | $50.00 | Register |
| 60 Mile Bike Ride | 60.0 mi | $50.00 | Register |
| 100 Mile Bike Ride | 100.0 mi | $50.00 | Register |
How much does StRides Against Suicide & Overdose cost?
Registration for StRides Against Suicide & Overdose starts at $20.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is StRides Against Suicide & Overdose held?
StRides Against Suicide & Overdose is held in Valparaiso, IN at Rogers-Lakewood Park.
About StRides Against Suicide & Overdose
StRides Against Suicide & Overdose 2025 is hosting a 5k Run/Walk and 10, 40, 60 and 100 mile bike rides to raise funds for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment for those in Northwest Indiana that are in need and cannot afford the treatment.
We are addressing an important issue that affects many people. Our mission is to spread awareness and raise money. The annual U.S. suicide rate increased 30% between 2000 and 2020. SUICIDE is the 2nd leading cause of death amongst 15–34 year olds in Indiana. In 2020, 100,306 people died by overdose in the US. One major barrier to mental health and substance abuse treatment is cost/and or lack of insurance. Our solution is to fund that treatment. Profits from the StRides Against Suicide and Overdose 2023 will be used to provide scholarships for mental health and substance abuse treatment for clients who are uninsured or cannot afford treatment. Your involvement is critical to our success in reducing the devastating numbers of Suicides and Overdoses. Thank you again for your help.
Every $525 raised pas for one individual to receive 7 sessions.
Application
StRides Against Suicide & Overdose Scholarship Application
The StRides Against Suicide & Overdose Scholarship Program is dedicated to helping individuals in Northwest Indiana access vital counseling services for suicide prevention and overdose recovery. If you or someone you know is in need of support, this scholarship may provide the financial assistance necessary to attend therapy sessions.
To apply for the scholarship, please complete the application form below and submit it with the required documentation.
Required Documentation:
W-2 or Two most recent paystubs
Proof of Insurance or Denial Letter for Insurance Coverage
Please be aware of the following scholarship guidelines:
This scholarship can only be applied for and received once per calendar year.
Future scholarships may not be granted depending on available funds and demand.
If you cancel or miss two scheduled appointments, you will forfeit the remainder of your scholarship.
Scholarship recipients must pay any applicable co-pays at the time of each appointment. Failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of the scholarship.
How to Apply:
Complete the application form below.
Submit the completed form, along with your required documents, to Fax: 21-728-1860 or Email: admin@lpacounseling.com.
Important Notes:
Scholarship recipients are not guaranteed continued therapy beyond the approved sessions. After your sessions are completed, you may be referred to another counseling provider for further treatment.
If you attend therapy sessions beyond the approved scholarship amount, you will be fully responsible for the cost of those additional sessions.
Please ensure that all areas of the application are filled out completely and accurately to avoid delays in processing.
Committee Members
Fundraising Tips
In this section, we'll share our strategies to take your fundraising efforts to the next level. These concise yet powerful tips will help you maximize your fundraising potential and make a meaningful difference.
- Set a bold goal: Aim high and set an audacious fundraising target for yourself. It'll ignite your motivation and keep you focused.
- Create a Fundraising Team: Up for some friendly competition? Create your own team and keep track up participants nd funds you bring in. Here is the link:https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/Donate/IN/Valparaiso/StRidesAgainstSuicideOverdose2022#tab-teamFundraiserSelect
- Personalize your fundraiser: Make your online fundraising page uniquely yours. Share your story, add photos, and let people know why supporting StRides Against Suicide & Overdose 2023 means so much to you. Here is the link:https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/Donate/IN/Valparaiso/StRidesAgainstSuicideOverdose2022#tab-individualFundraiserSelect
- Spread the word on social media: Harness the power of social media to amplify your message. Share updates, photos, and donation links to reach a wider audience and make a bigger impact.
- Bake Sale: Whip up some delicious treats and host a bake sale in your neighborhood or workplace. You can also take your bake sale online by offering pre-orders for pickup or delivery, allowing you to reach a wider audience while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
- Virtual Garage or Closet Sale: Clean out your closets or cupboards and host an online sale using platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Instagram Shopping. Proceeds can go directly towards your fundraising efforts.
- Sell Your Crafts: Whether you love baking, crafting, or creating artwork, consider selling your creations to support cancer research. You can set up an online shop on platforms like Etsy or host virtual auctions to showcase your items and attract bidders.
- Engage your inner circle: Reach out to your close friends, family, and colleagues. Let them know why this cause is close to your heart and ask for their support. Personal connections can work wonders.
- Practice gratitude: Show sincere appreciation to your donors. Send prompt thank-you messages or emails to let them know how much their support means to you.
Bonus Tip! Foster a team spirit: Support and motivate fellow participants throughout the fundraising journey. Together, you can make a greater difference!
Testimonials
AJ recognized the importance of prioritizing his mental well-being and sought the assistance he required, but unfortunately, he faced significant financial challenges that exacerbated his situation. Fortunately, with the support of StRides Against Suicide & Overdose, AJ was able to access the vital help he truly deserved. Visit this link to witness AJ's remarkable and inspiring journey, as he found renewed hope and light through the efforts of Strides Against Suicide & Overdose.
Emily Goodwin talks about the impact StRides has made on her and her mental health. Because of StRides, she became more focused on her career goals and began believing herself. Visit this link to learn more about Emily's uplifting path! By joining forces, we can make a profound impact, saving lives and building a future filled with brightness and possibility.
Watch Michelle Bulington’s Speech at StRides 2024
“ And today all of you are helping break down another major barrier which is access to mental health and substance abuse treatment. So today you are giving that hope and care to others who cannot afford therapy services. And we’re also spreading awareness about suicide and overdose prevention. So we have to continue to talk out loud about these issues to our family, our friends, and colleagues and that’s what we are doing here today. We can’t let the stigma silence us.”
-Michelle Bulington’s, LCSWState Suicide Prevention Director, incredible speech at our event.
Click below to watch:
Veterans
How StRides Supports Indiana Veterans & Military Families
Need support? Call (219) 252-5464 and mention the StRides veteran grant, for FREE services
StRides Against Suicide & Overdose is committed to ensuring that those who have served our country—and the families who stand beside them—never have to face mental health struggles alone. Through a grant proudly co-funded by the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), StRides provides zero-cost access to essential mental health services for Indiana veterans, active-duty military members, caregivers, and dependent family members
These no-cost services include:
-
Mental health screenings
-
Clinical evaluations
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Individual, couples, and family counseling sessions
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100% confidential
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In-person or Online
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Must be a resident in Indiana
Your support matters. Whether you choose to donate or simply share this event with others, you’re helping bring hope and healing to those who need it most
Donate here
Move with purpose this August. The 2026 StRides Against Suicide & Overdose event brings our community together to prevent suicide and overdose through awareness, connection, and action. Your participation helps provide free or low-cost mental health and addiction counseling for those who cannot afford it.
Every step, every mile, and every ride helps save a life.
2026 StRides Against Suicide & Overdose
📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026
📍 Rogers Lakewood Park – Valparaiso, Indiana
Why We Stride 💙
Nearly 1 in 5 adults experiences a mental health condition each year, yet many never receive the support they need.
The StRides Against Suicide & Overdose event brings our community together to:
Honor lives lost to suicide and overdose
Support those currently struggling
Break the stigma around mental health and addiction
Ensure no one has to walk their journey alone
Every step — and every mile — helps bring hope and healing closer.
Event Options ✨
Choose the distance and experience that works best for you:
🏃♂️ 5K Run/Walk
🚶 1-Mile Pet & Stroller-Friendly Walk
🚴 Bike Rides: 10, 40, 60 & 100 miles
All ages and fitness levels are welcome.
What to Expect 🎉
👕 Free participant shirts (while supplies last)
🏅 Finisher medals
🎟️ Raffle items
🎉 Family fun, food, and activities throughout the event
Bring your family, friends, and pets and make it a tradition of movement, memories, and making a difference.
Referral Rewards – Earn Cash Back 💵
Help us spread the word and get rewarded:
Invite friends to register using your referral code
1 friend = $5 refund
Each additional friend = +$5
You can save up to $15–$20 on registration while helping more people find the support they need.
You also have the opportunity to create a team!
⭐ What It Means to Create a Team
Creating a team for the StRides event means bringing together friends, family, coworkers, or community members who want to participate as a group. Your team can walk, run, or ride — everyone can choose the option that works best for them.
What matters most is showing up united, supporting one another, and helping raise awareness for mental health, suicide prevention, and overdose support.
Forming a team adds fun, motivation, and a sense of community to the event. It’s also a powerful way to spread the word and make an even greater impact.
Create team here
When we stand together, we turn pain into purpose and darkness into light. No one should face mental health or addiction struggles alone
You dine, they donate
Sip and Paint
Fun ways to give back :)
Hearts Abound — Paint & Sip Fundraiser
📅 Wednesday, February 25th
📍 Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant — Griffith, IN
🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Join us for a fun and meaningful night of creativity, connection, and support — with proceeds helping fund mental health and substance use treatment scholarships for individuals in need.
🎟️ Learn more and RSVP here:
👉 https://facebook.com/events/s/hearts-abound-paint-sip-fundra/928060196221184/
We can’t wait to see you there!
Fun Facts
100% of all registration fees and donations will go to scholarships
Receive a FREE tee, scrumptious lunch, and enjoyable music - all on us!
All participants are eligible for raffle drawings to win a $25 gift card