The 437 Project Brings a Message of Hope and Connection to Compass Point

Compass Point Treatment Center to welcome The 437 Project as part of its 437-mile journey across South Dakota

Compass Point Treatment Center is proud to welcome The 437 Project to our community as the organization makes its way across South Dakota during its annual 437-mile relay dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

The 437 Project was founded in 2022 with a simple but powerful belief: physical and mental health are deeply connected. Each year, a team of 12 runners and volunteers travels 437 miles across South Dakota, stopping in communities along the way to raise awareness, share stories, build connections, and encourage conversations about mental health.

The 2026 journey will take place September 17–20, with runners traveling from the western side of South Dakota toward Sioux Falls. Along the route, the team is inviting communities to come together, support the runners, and be part of a statewide movement focused on hope and suicide prevention.

For Compass Point, the visit represents an important opportunity to reinforce something we see every day in our work with individuals and families affected by substance use: mental health, addiction, recovery, and connection are deeply intertwined.

“Recovery is about so much more than simply stopping the use of drugs or alcohol,” said Grace Stein of Compass Point. “It is about rebuilding relationships, finding purpose, developing healthy connections, and discovering hope. The mission of The 437 Project aligns beautifully with the work we do every day at Compass Point.”

The connection between mental health and substance use is especially important. Individuals struggling with addiction may also experience mental health challenges, trauma, grief, isolation, or thoughts of suicide. Creating spaces where people feel safe to talk, seek help, and connect with others can be a critical part of the recovery process.

The 437 Project’s mission is to strengthen the connection between physical and mental health through endurance, community, and purpose. Its vision is a South Dakota where every step forward strengthens communities physically, mentally, and emotionally, ensuring that no one faces mental health challenges alone.

The project has grown significantly since its first year. According to The 437 Project, the organization raised more than $120,000 in its inaugural year, followed by more than $250,000 in 2023, more than $315,000 in 2024, and more than $322,000 in 2025. The project has raised more than $1 million over its first four years in support of mental health and suicide prevention efforts.

While the miles are impressive, the heart of The 437 Project is the people behind them—the runners, volunteers, community partners, families, and individuals willing to share their stories.

Compass Point is honored to be one of the communities welcoming The 437 Project and looks forward to helping carry its message forward.

Every mile matters. Every conversation matters. Every person matters.

At Compass Point, we believe that recovery is possible and that no one should have to navigate the journey alone. We are grateful for organizations like The 437 Project that help remind our communities that there is always a reason to keep moving forward.

Together, we can continue guiding individuals and families toward hope, healing, and recovery.