JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Ride to Silence the Stigma has been held annually to raise funds for the awareness and prevention of suicide.
The motorcycle ride has raised thousands for those who are battling suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, bullying, bipolar disease and Alzheimer’s.
Monte Rodacker is with the Midnight Riders of Jud, North Dakota.
Rodacker says there is a stigma surrounding mental health issues.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. It’s reported that 48,344 Americans died by suicide in 2018.
The ride was created by Dave and Beth Lautt.
The 7th ride will be held on Sunday, July 19th. Registration will be held in the morning and kickstands will go up at 12:30 PM from Stutsman Harley Davidson. A balloon release will be held before the ride.
The cost of the ride is $20 per rider and they welcome all vehicles to participate.
Rodacker says they usually ask for donations to help assist with holding the ride, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ll be footing the bill for the ride.
Listen to the full Let’s Talk About It with Monte Rodacker below: