Photo: Cops walk to promote mental health

Iqaluit RCMP officers pound the pavement on a sunny afternoon in Iqaluit May 4 for a “Walk the Mental Health Talk” event, part of a nation-wide awareness walk for mental health by RCMP detachments. “It’s mental health awareness week, so the RCMP is putting it on to support mental heath and to showcase health choices,” said RCMP spokesperson Const. Lorene Dillon. “Exercise can help with your mental health, so that’s why we have the walks.” The officers were joined by members of the public as they strolled through Iqaluit’s downtown core. Department of Health worker Jessamyn Mallory spent her lunch break in solidarity with the RCMP officers. “We were invited by the RCMP to come down and show some support. We’re trying to support whatever we can that’s going on for mental health week.” Another walk by non-profit organization United for Life, titled the “Ikaumaniq Memory Walk” is scheduled to take place May 6, raising awareness for suicide prevention in Nunavut; that walk begins at 8 p.m. at the Frobisher Inn. (PHOTO BY STEVE DUCHARME)