As September nears, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention wants people to remember to look out for each other and join a community Out of the Darkness Walk in September, which is Suicide Prevention Month.
The walks are organized by local chapters of the AFSP and will begin in September and continue through the fall. There also will be more opportunities to learn about suicide prevention and show support for others throughout the month, a press release said.
“It’s almost like a family reunion every year,” said Ray Burke, who lost his son, a U.S. Navy submariner, to suicide. “You have all these people coming from different walks of life … and you’re all coming together with one common goal. You’re there to provide comfort, love and compassion to each other.”
AFSP CEO Bob Gebbia said in a press release: “Our mission of giving hope to those affected by suicide and saving lives comes to life by people showing up for each other and learning how to offer support. One way to show support is to walk for suicide prevention, and we invite you to join an Out of the Darkness Community Walk near you. By coming together, we raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention, and we help save lives.”
AFSP fundraising helps prevent suicide through: scientific research, public policy advocacy, loss and healing support, and education programs that increase the public’s knowledge of how to look out for each other.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, confidential, free help is available from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
