JERSEY CITY – Suicide is a serious national health problem that cuts across all ages and demographics. Each year, close to one million people make a suicide attempt and nearly 38,000 die by suicide in the U.S. alone.
The Jersey City Out of the Darkness Walk is a fundraising walk supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The fundraising walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) by helping to support local and national suicide prevention and awareness programs.
There are hundreds of Out of the Darkness Community Walks taking place through the U.S. this fall. Funds will support vital research, education, advocacy, suicide prevention initiatives and programs to support those impacted by suicide. The walks are expected to unite more than 100,000 walkers nationally and raise more than $9.5 million for suicide prevention efforts. Much more needs to be done to prevent suicide. Yet, suicide and the underlying mental disorders that can sometimes lead to suicide continue to be surrounded by misinformation and stigma. This walk is about reducing stigma, raising awareness and raising needed funds for research and local prevention programs.
On Sunday, Sept. 25, come to J. Owen Gundy Pier beginning at 9 a.m. Walker registration will be at 10 a.m., 30 minutes prior to the walk start time, which will end at 1 p.m. More than 100 people from throughout Jersey City are expected to participate.
The Out of the Darkness Walks raise much needed funds and awareness to develop prevention programs and decrease stigma surrounding mental illness.
For more information, please visit www.afsp.org.
‘Out of the Darkness’ walk on Sunday Sept. 25 to aid suicide prevention
