The community is invited to participate in an “Out of the Darkness Walk” Sunday beginning and ending at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre to help raise suicide awareness and prevention funding.
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, and September is Suicide Awareness Prevention Month.
Funds raised at the Out of the Darkness Greater Northeast Pennsylvania Walk directly support research, advocacy efforts and educational programs in schools, workplaces and communities across the region.
Interested individuals can register for the walk in advance online at afspwalks.donordrive.com/NEPA or at the park on the day of the event.
Check-in begins at 11 a.m. and the walk starts at 12:30 p.m. The event will go on rain or shine.
There are two walking routes in Wilkes-Barre and Kingston to choose from — one longer and the other shorter.
All of the funds raised goes to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to support education and prevention efforts in local schools as well as to support and assist survivors of those who were lost to suicide.
The walks, which are held nationwide, provide an opportunity to find a supportive community of people who get it, to know you’re not alone, and to make a difference together, according to the walk website. All of the volunteers are therapists and will be available to talk with anyone who feels the need during the event.
Walks are between 1 to 3 miles and are non-competitive. The program includes an opening ceremony, activities of hope and healing, resource tables and complimentary honor beads for every participant.
Email Sarah Hoch at sarah.rittenberg@gmail.com or Maggie Cibello at maggie.cibello@gmail.com with any questions or for additional information.
