The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. There are many factors that contribute to suicide. The goal of suicide prevention is to reduce factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience. Next week, September 4-10, is National Suicide Prevention Week.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Western Pennsylvania Chapter, will hold an Out of the Darkness Walk on Sunday, Sept. 25, at the Downtown Event Park on Depot Street in St. Marys.
The Western Pa. Chapter of the AFSP, which serves 25 counties in the western part of the state, is fueled by the efforts of volunteers to help save lives and support those affected by suicide loss. They are always looking for volunteers. If interested in volunteering, email afspvolunteers.westpa@gmail.com for more information.
The Out of the Darkness walk is a fundraiser with the goal of raising $9,000. As of this writing, the group has raised $2,150. The funds raised at the walk will benefit the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, a world event in November that brings together anyone who has lost someone to suicide to find hope through shared experience.
St. Marys has been hosting this walk since 2016 and is dedicated to raising awareness, saving lives, and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.
According to the group’s site, The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about.
The walk begins with an opening ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Many others will be at the event in partnership with AFSP who will provide information about the many resources available year-round to residents in search of mental health or suicide prevention information.
An inspirational live performance from Flintface, a band who has been to many events with the chapter, will also be on scene.
The AFSP is a non-profit organization. It funds scientific research to prevent suicide as well as educational programming for the public about risk factors that may lead a person down the path to suicide. The organization does not directly provide mental health or crisis services, according to the information on their website.
For additional information about the organization, contact Jesse Putkoski, Area Director, Western Pennsylvania, via email at jputkoski@afsp.org, or by calling (412) 510-9514.
Sponsors of the event include the Dickinson Center Inc., St. Marys Insurance Agency, Inc., Center for Community Resources, Community Care, Clarion Psychiatric Center and the Meadows Psychiatric Center.
