Oklahoma sees “Out of the Darkness” 5k for suicide prevention

by Sara Ritsch
Staff Writer

Nearly a thousand people will gather next week Saturday, September 10, to honor their loved ones lost to suicide. The “Out of the Darkness Walks” walkathon put on by The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) calls on participants and volunteers to raise awareness and funds, while honoring those who lost their battle with mental illness. “They bring suicide and mental health conditions out of the darkness.”

Fundraising for AFSP will allow for new research and educational programs, further advocacy for public policy against suicide and support for survivors of suicide loss.

AFSP’s goal is to reduce the annual suicide rate by 20 percent by the year 2025, encouraging the hashtag #20x2025 on Twitter and Facebook. The more people involved, the higher the likelihood of advancement.

“With tens of thousands of lives at stake, it’s a challenge worth taking,” reads the mission statement for AFSP.

Every September, they host the Out of the Darkness 5k Walk, which is their largest fundraising event of the year. Gabriel Jourden, co-chair of the Oklahoma chapter of AFSP, says this walk impacted him greatly following the loss of his brother. “I was forced to go because my wife and friends saw me dipping into a depression of not knowing who to turn to or talk to. They gathered behind me, rallied and supported me.

“It was the greatest day in that environment I can imagine. It is an emotional day. There are tears. But it’s not a depressing atmosphere, it’s an uplifting atmosphere. If you see someone crying, you may not know them – put your arm around them. They know you’re there for the same reason they’re there. Their loss may be more tragic to them than others, but the losses are the same.”

This 5k walk will take place on September 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City, at Stars and Stripes Park. To register, visit www.AFSP.com or visit the Facebook event page, Out of the Darkness Walk | OKC.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide.

 The Gayly – September 2, 2016 @ 9 a.m.