Sidney Friedman Park in State College will be the site for the annual Centre County Out of the Darkness Walk, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
This will be the 13th year of the event in Centre County, and according to Samantha Benz, area director of the Eastern and Central PA American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, this year’s goal is to raise $55,000.
The walk raises awareness and funds to allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy and support survivors of suicide loss.
“Our goal is to spread awareness of what is currently the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. and let others know they are not alone. Suicide can be an extremely isolating experience, so seeing that you are not alone can be life changing,” said Benz. “These walks are a step towards eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and we hope that we can help others to see that mental health is looked upon in equal importance as physical health.”
The walk is also a place where those who have been affected by suicide can come together and see that they are not alone.
There is no cost to attend.
“This walk raises money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. We are able to offer free educational programs to the community because of the funds raised at this walk as well as provide programs for survivors of suicide loss,” Benz said. “We also fund millions of dollars in suicide prevention research and advocate for suicide prevention policies at both the state and local level. The money raised at this walk has a direct impact to our community.”
She said 427 people were registered as of April 24, and she expects between 600 and 700 people at the walk.
She said there will be several community resources tabling at the event so those interested in what Centre County has to offer in terms of services for mental health can find that information there.
“We invite everyone to come be a part of the movement to turn hope into action and create a culture that’s smart about mental health,” Benz said.
For more information visit www.afsp.org/centre.
