STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

Judd Effinger’s life took on a new path after he suffered the loss of his son Ky when the young man ran into the engine of a plane in Salt Lake City during a mental health crisis.

Judd, who now lives in Sun Valley, founded the Love Like Ky Foundation, which spreads awareness about suicide prevention at mountain towns throughout the west. And on Saturday he will take part in the inaugural Hike for Hope up Carbonate Mountain, which overlooks Hailey.

The event starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13—part of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.

Judd Effinger started the Love Like Ky Foundation after his son’s death.

The hike will be followed with a Victory Lap Celebration at Hop Porter Park, BBQ burgers for all participants, music and a Resource Garden offering information about the community partners that serve together on the 5B Suicide Prevention Alliance.

“5B Hike for Hope is not just a walk—it’s a community call to action, said Tammy Davis, executive director of The Crisis Hotline. “It is a day to remember those we’ve lost to suicide, to stand in solidarity with those who grieve and to foster connection and resilience.”

Hikers can choose from five options, including an ADA-accessible route through the nearby Draper Preserve.

One, dubbed “Grit,” heads 1,365 feet up the 5,333-foot mountain with a round-trip distance of 2.4 miles.

The moderate” Perserverance” hike heads to the Hailey lookout, gaining 858 feet via switchbacks for a round trip of 3.2 miles.

The moderate “Resilience” goes to the Canyon Lookout for a 745-foot climb via switchbacks with a 2.3-mile round trip.

The easy “Compassionate” follows the Croy Creek Trail, gaining 25 feet for a 1.5-mile round trip.

The registration fee of $30 for adults and $10 for youth helps raise funds for mental health education, suicide prevention and crisis intervention service in Blaine County. Individuals can sign up at https://p2p.onecause.com/5bhikeforhope/accept. Teams can sign up at https://p2p.onecause.com/5bhikeforhope/teams.

Effinger’s Love Like Ky is sponsoring the hike, alongside the 5B Suicide Prevention Alliance and The Crisis Hotline. Effinger says Blaine County is behind other mountain ski areas in in tackling the issue of suicide and mental health breaks.

But it is catching up, he said, thanks to work behind done by the Mental Health Wellness Initiative and the Sources of Strength program, which is starting its second year at Wood River High School. St. Luke’s Wood River hospital also just hired two psychiatrists.

“We lack the number of providers and services we need—those having crises still use the ER. And it’s a busy hospital—they don’t always have beds. If someone needs help, they’ve got to be able to go someplace locally, not Twin Falls or Boise,” he said.

He paused. “We’ll get there. We just started late.”

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Idahoans ages 15 through 34 and for males up to age 44. Idaho’s suicide rates are two to three times the national average.

Suicide rates are higher in ski mountain towns, as illustrated in the movie “Paradise Paradox,” Effinger said.

“The biggest thing, I think, is the income discrepancy with stress over affordable housing and food,” he said. “All the states that have the highest suicide rates have the most liberal gun laws, providing easy access to guns. And there’s a seasonality component. In March you’re having a powder day. In April you’re unemployed.”

A hundred towns and cities have a Hike for Hope like the one being put on Saturday in Hailey.

“We chose Carbonate Mountain because it’s the iconic hike in town, and it’s across the street from the Draper Preserve, which has an ADA-accessible trail, Effinger said.

Effinger said sports teams will be among those participating

“We had two young losses last year—both 16 years old. They were awesome kids so it really shook people up. We hope having the community come together will raise awareness and reduce the stigma.”

Blaine County sees about eight suicides per year—well above the national average, he said.

“People don’t want to talk about it, but they have to. The research is clear that silence does not help. Part of prevention is leaning into it.”

Ky struggled with bipolar disorder and, on New Year’s Day 2024 after spending the holidays with family, he suffered a manic episode that may have been exacerbated by all the police cars with flashing lights surrounding him when he ran out onto the airport tarmac.

Had anyone approached him to offer help while he was in distress in the airport, the story might have ended differently, Effinger acknowledged. Sometimes something as simple as sending a text message or inviting someone to grab a coffee to check in with them can make a difference, he added.

Those who show up for Saturday’s hike help reduce stigma by normalizing conversations, showing solidarity with those affected and highlighting the fact that help is available, Davis said.

“When we come together in this spirit of unity, we strengthen the bonds that make our community a place of hope and belonging,” she added. “Building these connections not only supports healing but also sets a powerful example for our youth—showing them that they are part of a caring community where kindness, compassion, and support are valued. Together, we can create a culture that encourages open conversations, strengthens relationships and reminds everyone that they are never alone.”

Questions? Contact the 5B Suicide Prevention Alliance at 206-595-4063, tammy@thecrisishotline.org  or go to https://5balliance.org/.