JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A major public health problem and leading cause of death in the United States, suicide continues to remain prevalent.

On Sunday, July 15th, riders from all over came out to help “silence the stigma” surrounding the mental health issues leading to suicide.

The Ride to Silence the Stigma was created when Dave and Beth Lautt lost their son, Thomas Avery Doyle, to suicide in 2013. Since then, a ride has been held to raise funds to raise awareness and prevention.

Monte Rodacker has participated in every ride with his wife Cindy. They too have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide.

The ride was helped put on by the Midnight Riders of Jud, ND. Ride leader Brandon Cox said he was proud to help keep the event going and to ride with the other 7 members of the club.

Cox said he was glad to see the turnout and support.

Beth Lautt reports that 186 participants were in the ride this year with 92 registered bikes and 12 vehicles. Some joined in a little later on the ride.

From the launch site, 22 crosses with combat boots were on display. Monte Rodacker stated that every day in the U.S., 22 veterans commit suicide. According to a 2015 study by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the national suicide rate among U.S. servicemen is nearly double that of the mainstream population.

All funds raised from the event will go on to support the National Guard Foundation and ND CARES. Click here for more on the ride.

Below are some photos and video from 5th Annual Ride to Silence the Stigma.