La Crescent, MN – Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) invites the community to a powerful and inspiring event, Bringing Light into Darkness La Crescent, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at La Crescent-Hokah High School. This event aims to foster awareness, hope, and open conversations around suicide prevention through education and shared experiences.

Event Schedule:

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

La Crescent-Hokah High School

  • 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Free Pulled Pork Meal & Community Resource Fair
  • 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Screening of My Ascension
  • 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Panel Discussion featuring Emma Benoit and local mental health experts

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with local organizations at the resource fair and enjoy a complimentary meal, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. The evening will feature a screening of My Ascension, a documentary that follows the journey of Emma Benoit, a suicide attempt survivor who has turned her experience into a mission of advocacy and awareness.

Following the screening, Emma Benoit will be joined by an esteemed panel of local experts for an interactive discussion. Community members will have the chance to submit questions anonymously via QR code.

Panelists:

  • Emma Benoit – Suicide Prevention Advocate & My Ascension Documentary Subject
  • Kae Creech & Tim Petersen – Parents with lived experience & Mental Health Professionals
  • Kelli Larson – HVMHC School Linked Practitioner, La Crescent-Hokah Schools
  • Jessica Panek – Nurse Manager, Gundersen Health

"This event is about bringing people together to talk about mental health, break down stigma, and provide resources to those in need," said Ryan Buhler, Marketing & Communications Specialist at HVMHC. "We encourage everyone in the community to join us in this vital conversation."

For more information about My Ascension, Emma Benoit's story, and to watch the trailer, visit: https://www.myascension.us/

More About Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC)

HVMHC, established in 1965, is a certified Behavioral Health Clinic dedicated to providing comprehensive community mental health and substance use services across Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona counties. The organization offers a wide range of services including a 24/7 mobile crisis unit, Adult and Children Community-Based Care, Housing with Supports, Peer Support Networks, Psychiatric Services, Outpatient Therapy and more.

To schedule an appointment for services through HVMHC, individuals can call 1-800-657-6777 or visit www.hvmhc.org/contact/make-an-appointment. As a nonprofit, HVMHC relies on donations to support its programs and expand access to care. To contribute, visit https://www.hvmhc.org/donate/ and help make a difference.

SE MN mobile crisis unit overseen by HVMHC is available 24-hours a day in Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona counties at: 1-844-CRISIS2 or 1-800-274-7472.