Fourth Annual Suicide Prevention Walk slated for April 18
A balloon release at the 2018 “Out of the Darkness” Suicide Prevention Walk is just one of the many ways the community comes out to remember those lives that have been lost to suicide. This year’s event will take place on April 18, 2020 at the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College. Submitted photo.
Fourth Annual Suicide Prevention Walk slated for April 18
Rio Grande, Ohio – At the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College, raising awareness and educating the community about mental health is an important cause. And for the fourth year in a row, a walk has been planned to encourage the community to come together.
The ‘Out of the Darkness’ Suicide Prevention Walk is a key event in which the institution’s Office of Accessibility and Mental Health Services supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s local and national education and advocacy programs. In the past three years, more than $40,000 dollars have been raised for the AFSP organization, and this year, organizers are hopeful the community comes out to continue to remember those lives that have been lost to suicide.
“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.”
Beginning with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, the Bob Evans Farms Hall parking lot will be the hub for the event. Other events slated to take place before the walk include a balloon release, face painting, food and raffle.
Those interested can pre-register online by noon on Friday, April 17. Day of registration is at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Bob Evans Farm Hall.
“This is a great opportunity in our community for families and individuals to come together to remember those lives lost, and those struggling and suffering from depression and thoughts of suicide,” Ruggles said.
To register for the walk, please visit https://afsp.donordrive.com and search for the University of Rio Grande Walk on April 18th, 2020.
