Trigger Warning: This article mentions suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP) hosts Out of Darkness walks across the nation, and in Buffalo, to bring awareness to suicide prevention and resources to those who are struggling or have lost some one.
Saturday saw the return of the annual Out of Darkness Walk at Canalside. The COVID-19 pandemic forced last year’s walk to be canceled, but AFSP did organize a separate event to honor the day.
“The walk is a chance for people to come together for a cause that is often left in the shadows, something we don’t really talk that much about compared to other major health issues,” said Western and Central NY director for AFSP Missy Stolfi.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“It needs to be treated with the same importance and priority as other leading health issues in this country,” Stolfi said. “Out of the Darkness is a way for people to come together for the cause, bring visibility to the cause, find connection and community and really just educate the public on what we can all do to prevent suicide in Western New York.”
The organization also encourages people to learn about the risk factors, warning signs and how to talk about suicide ideation.
AFSP offers suicide prevention programs for schools, workplaces, places of worship and other civic organizations.
As of Saturday morning, 1,500 people participated in the walk and raised over $191,000 towards the organization's goal of $200,000, which is used for local community programs like grief support and prevention training.
But the community can continue to donate until the end of the year, Stolfi said.
AFSP Western New York Chapter also host events throughout the year.
For a complete look at the services they provide, additional events or to volunteer, visit their website or call 800-273-8255.