Over a Thousand People to Walk in April From Dusk Until Dawn To Fight Suicide In Texas
The Overnight will be held in Dallas, and support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
NEW YORK, March 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is proud to announce that more than a thousand people are now registered for the Out of the Darkness Overnight walk in Dallas. Its first time in Dallas, The Overnight will be held from April 25 to April 26, 2015, beginning at City Hall. Suicide is a serious issue for Texas, as it is the 12th leading cause of death in the state– this means that on average, one person dies by suicide every three hours in the Lone Star State.
The Overnight is the largest annual fundraising event held by AFSP. Participants from across the country walk more than 16 miles from sunset until sunrise to raise money and awareness for suicide prevention. Money raised from the walks support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. AFSP funds research, creates educational programs, advocates for public policy, and supports those affected by suicide.
"Every year suicide claims more lives than war, murder, and natural disasters combined, and yet suicide prevention doesn't get anywhere near the funding given to other leading causes of death. It's through the work of organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that funds are raised for this important issue," said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. "We look forward to walking with over a thousand people in Dallas. Together, we can put a stop to this tragic loss of life."
Each walker raises a minimum of $1000 to participate in the Overnight walk. Since its inception in 2002, more than 26,000 people have participated in an Overnight walk, 4,500 people have volunteered, and over $30,000,000 has been raised to support the cause.
A route preview is available on the event's website.
Suicide in Texas
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15-34 in Texas. Suicide cost Texas a total of $3,516,245,000 of combined lifetime medical and work loss cost in 2010, or an average of $1,216,273 per suicide death. More than twice as many people die by suicide in Texas annually than by homicide; the total deaths to suicide reflect a total of 64,561 years of potential life lost before age 65.
To register for The Overnight, please visit theovernight.org.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention leads the fight against suicide. We fund research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has 75 local chapters with programs and events nationwide. Review our Annual Report to learn more about AFSP's lifesaving work, and join the national conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150313/181551
SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
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