The Out of the Darkness Walk, hosted by the West Texas Chapter will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15th at the Mackenzie Park. Patrons can walk either one mile or three miles and the walk will begin after a brief introduction. This walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s education and support programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual U.S. rate of suicide 20 percent by 2025.
Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, yet suicide can be prevented. Volunteers from Lubbock are joining the quarter of a million people who are walking in towns across the United States to draw attention to the fight for suicide prevention.
“Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by walking we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our ultimate goal is so save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Tracy Sommers, West Texas Area Director.
The Lubbock Out of the Darkness 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.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.
If you or someone you know is maybe having suicidal thoughts, please contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline by dialing 9-8-8 or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.