Volunteers Will Walk to Fight Suicide

MONTPELIER – Volunteers from Central Vermont will join the quarter of a million people who are walking in towns across the United States to draw attention to the fight for suicide prevention. The annual Central Vermont Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Vermont Chapter will be held at 10 a.m., October 29, at the State House Lawn in Montpelier. This walk supports the AFSP’s education and support programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual U.S. rate of suicide 20 percent by the year 2025.

The Central Vermont Out of the Darkness Community Walk is one of more than 550 Out of the Darkness Overnight, Community and Campus Walks being held nationwide this year. The walks are expected to unite more than 300,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts. Last year, these walks raised over $21 million for suicide prevention. This will be Central Vermont’s first annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk, joining walks in Rutland, Burlington, Newport, and Brattleboro.

“These walks are about turning hope into action,” said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. “The research has shown us how to fight suicide, and if we keep up the fight, the science is only going to get better and our culture will get smarter about mental health. With the efforts of our courageous volunteers, and a real investment from our nation’s leaders, we hope to significantly reduce the suicide rate in the United States.”

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. 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.