Local residents are encouraged to come together on Sunday, Oct. 12, for a walk designed to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
The seventh annual Jefferson County Out of the Darkness Community Walk, sponsored by the Missouri Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will be held at 9 a.m. at Walther Park, 1551 Veterans Drive, in De Soto.
“Suicide touches one in five families in the United States,” said Phyllis Blackwelder of Arnold, the director of the Missouri Chapter who lost her son to suicide in 2013. “We hope that by connecting with one another, we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss.”
Blackwelder said the foundation is accepting donations, but participants do not have to donate to walk.
“You can just show up, and you can register there that day or you can go online and register there,” she said.
To donate or join the event, visit afsp.org/JeffersonMO.
In addition to raising awareness and funds for the foundation’s education, research and survivor support, the walk gives those who attend a chance to connect with others and know they are not alone, whether they walk in memory or in support of a loved one or in honor of their own mental health journey, Blackwelder said.
She said the walk can help promote a sense of community, hope and healing.
Registration and fundraising has gotten off to a slow start this year, with 63 participants registered, Blackwelder said.
Anyone who raises $150 before the walk will receive a T-shirt.
“But we normally get a pretty good turnout the day of,” Blackwelder said, adding that typically 100-200 people participate in the walk.
Last year, the walk raised $14,486 for the foundation. The fundraising goal this year is $17,000.
“Fundraising will continue through the end of the year,” Blackwelder said.
She said suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in Missouri. The walk is held in more than 400 communities nationwide to raise awareness to promote suicide prevention and to show those affected by suicide are not alone.
Blackwelder said Deborah Boyer and her daughter, Amanda Sapper, got the walk started in Jefferson County after the death of Boyer’s son.
If you are in a crisis, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741.