Baker walking cross country to promote suicide awareness

On February 6, Clinton Baker departed from Inlet Beach, Florida on a nationwide walk to raise awareness about suicide. Five months and around 2,000 miles later, Baker made his way to Cardwell last Thursday afternoon.

"Every 40 seconds there is a suicide. I'm trying to bring awareness and 'pro'vention. I'm trying to save a life every 40 seconds," Baker said nestled in the shade at the Cardwell School.

Throughout the journey that will take him to Washington State before a return trip across America, Baker has been amazed at how people not only to listen to his message but give him any help he needs. And it is also very personal with Baker having once attempted suicide and losing several members of his immediate family.

"It has been amazing. There are a lot of good people. I've had a lot of help – whatever I have needed," he said.

Although pleased with the response and giving nature of citizens across the county, Baker has also faced some setbacks along his journey.

He said trying to accomplish this walk during the Covid-19 pandemic has certainly been a challenge.

Baker also lost his service dog who was hit by a tractor-trailer in Oklahoma. Baker buried his dog in Watonga, Oklahoma, but was not alone on his journey for much longer. He was able to get a rescue dog he named Watonga who has joined him on the journey.

As both rested in the shade at the school, Baker said since Watonga was a stray, he really had to feed him a lot and "meat him up" for the rest of the journey.

Watonga has been a welcome addition to the journey.

"He is amazing, and he loves it. He doesn't really like the heat so we will try and find a place like today to wait it out. Last night we were going until 12:30 a.m.," he said.

Baker is not fond of the interstate but understands he must travel some on Interstate 90 to get to Washington.

A long way he is sure to find more people willing to not only listen but help out as well.

"Everybody has been sharing stories. It has been great," he said.

Baker is hoping to finish his complete journey in about 1.5 years and encourages people to follow his journey and message online.

For more information about the journey search on Facebook for "suicide provention walk" or @Dohgees