Dozens gathered at Brighton Beach for Duluth’s Out of the Darkness Walk, an event to remember loved ones and raise awareness about suicide prevention.
The fundraiser is part of a nationwide effort by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to support mental health initiatives, research and awareness.
The Out of the Darkness Walk returned to Duluth after a multi-year break, with the goal to raise $10,000.
“The monies go to a headquarters in New York, but we keep track,” said Julie Johnson, Co-chair of the Out of the Darkness Walk. “And then the money’s coming back in Minnesota and then it’s allocated to different programs.”
Johnson mentioned the goal is to have the funds out in every part of the community.
“It’s because a lot of people aren’t going to cross the door of a clinic maybe and so just to normalize it, to have the presence everywhere, and then equip people with the training so they know how to speak of suicide in a really respectful and positive way.”
Thirteen teams and more than 80 participants walked a 2 to 3 mile route in memory of loved ones lost to suicide or to show support for those struggling.
Tracy Kwapick walked for one of her co-workers lost to suicide.
“A good friend of mine that I used to work with as a nurse. None of us really had any idea about what she was going through, and it was kind of a shock for everybody,” said Kwapick.
Kwapick, who works in the mental health field, shared her perspective on the need for more resources because it affects everyone.
“I talk to people every day that are struggling with suicidal thoughts and sometimes they have a plan. Sometimes they don’t intend and I think the resources out there just need to be a lot more.”
Duluth’s Out of the Darkness Walk has raised just over $4,500 toward its $10,000 goal. To donate, click here.
If you are someone you know are struggling with mental health or in crisis, you can call or text 988 for support.
