Walkers Take to the Streets to Fight Suicide

Hundreds of Walks Being Held Nationwide Through December 2016

News provided by

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Oct 04, 2016, 09:10 ET

ATLANTA, Oct. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, yet suicide is preventable. More than 1,600 people from throughout Atlanta are expected to participate in the annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk hosted by the Georgia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at 2 p.m., November 6 at Piedmont Park. This fundraising walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's local and national education and advocacy programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual rate of suicide 20 percent by 2025.

"We walk to raise awareness about this important health issue. Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by walking we save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide," said Chris Owens, Georgia Area Director.

The Out of the Darkness Walk is one of more than 375 Out of the Darkness Community Walks being held nationwide this year. The walks are expected to unite more than 250,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts. With this walk last year, the Georgia Chapter raised over $230,000 and had 1,390 participants.

"These walks are about turning hope into action," said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. "Suicide is a serious problem, but it's a problem we can solve. The research has shown us how to fight suicide, and if we keep up the fight the science is only going to get better, our culture will get smarter about mental health, and we'll be able to save more people from dying from depression and other mental health conditions."

Local sponsors for the Atlanta Out of the Darkness Community Walk include Behavioral Health Link, Emory Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Skyland Trail and many more.

To register for the event, please click here.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Contact:
Jason Gilbreth
(847) 894-8112
[email protected]

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SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention