Suicide Prevention Community Walk

In America, someone dies of suicide every 14 minutes, claiming almost 40,000 lives each year. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. among adults ages 18-65, and the second leading cause of death among teens and young adults. Suicide does not discriminate by age, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) holds a monthly walk in a different city across the country called Out of the Darkness, which raises money to support the AFSP. This three to five mile walk brings hundreds together within the community for AFSP’s signature fundraising campaign. All of the money raised is dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education, and advocacy. It is also AFSP’s mission to reach out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.

On October 27th, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosted a walk for the prevention of suicide. This walk was held at the Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park in Irvine and had a goal of raising $50,000 for this cause. With Orange County’s extremely alarming record of suicides this past year, it’s no wonder why the AFSP felt the need to host a walk here.

With almost 1,000 men, women, and children supporting this cause, together raised close to $60,000 which was more than our goal. The Out of the Darkness Community Walk coordinator hopes to use the donations of this walk to develop a new chapter in Orange County. A new chapter would bring together those who have lost someone to suicide, but also others interested in preventing suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please visit the www.AFSP.org for more information.