(Columbia, SC) – October 15, 2024− Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in South Carolina, yet suicide can be prevented. South Carolina ranks 28th in the nation in the number of suicide deaths. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention South Carolina Chapter exists to prevent suicide and bring hope to those who have lost someone to suicide in South Carolina. Volunteers from Columbia, SC, are joining the quarter of a million people who are walking in towns across the United States in the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walks to draw attention to the fight for suicide prevention.
The 20th Annual Columbia Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the AFSP SC Chapterwill be held at 2:00 pm, October 20, 2024, at Columbia Riverfront Park. Registration begins at 1:00 pm.
The AFSP Out of the Darkness Community Walks give people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause, and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost.
All donations support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention use the donations to fund research for suicide prevention, create and distribute education programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss.
“Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by walking we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our ultimate goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said John Tjaarda, Area Director, AFSP South Carolina Chapter
“These walks are about turning hope into action,” said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. “The research has shown us how to fight suicide, and if we keep up the fight, the science is only going to get better and our culture will get smarter about mental health. With the efforts of our courageous volunteers, and a real investment from our nation’s leaders, we hope to significantly reduce the suicide rate in the United States.”
