Cyclist ventures across North America to raise awareness and money for suicide prevention

By Staff Writer

A suicide prevention advocate is nearing the end of a 6,500-mile bike ride across the U.S. and Canada.

Patrick Cutter embarked on the Mental Health Awareness North to South ride on June 28, taking off from Deadhorse, Alaska, the most northern point by road in the U.S. He has since traveled through Canada and is only a few weeks away from reaching his destination, Key West, Florida, which is the most southern point in America.

The goal of the ride is to raise money for Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE). Cutler said there is a stigma attached to depression and other mental illnesses, and he hopes to combat that sentiment through the publicity of his four-month trek.

Cutler's ride will take him through 12 U.S. states, and he is documenting his adventure through a blog. An event to celebrate his completed trip is scheduled to take place on November 5 in Miami. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit SAVE.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 149,000 people between the ages of 10 and 24 receive emergency medical care for self-inflicted injuries every year.