‘Out of the Darkness’ Suicide Prevention Walk Cancelled: ‘Hope Is Not Cancelled’

Date Posted: September 24, 2020

Posted In: Discussion, Ideas, Workforce,

Construction is the leading industry nationally in terms of death by suicide. Members of the industry have long been supporters of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-Missouri Chapter “Out of the Darkness” walk at Creve Coeur Park Lake, which culminates Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. 

The organizers for the St. Louis event announced that it has been cancelled due to COVID-19. “However, HOPE is not cancelled,” the AFSP event planning committee said in a statement. “We will be coming together as a community to fight suicide in other ways. We encourage each participant and team to walk in their neighborhood or local park to show your support of AFSP.

AFSP will be broadcasting a live opening ceremony the day of the event. The organization encourages individuals to wear their team colors or  their “Be the Voice” shirts and walk on their own to show support.

AFSP nationally has set a bold goal to reduce the annual suicide rate 20% by 2025.

“While, the St. Louis Out of the Darkness Walk is going to look different this year, our mission to Save Lives and Bring Hope to Those Affected by Suicide has not changed,” the statement from the organizing committee said. “We are a strong and resilient community, united in our effort to fight suicide, raise awareness, educate our communities, support those who have lost loved ones, and support those with lived experience. We use our voices and share our stories to provide hope.

“When you participate in the Out of the Darkness Experiences this fall, you join the effort with hundreds of thousands of people to raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss.”

To donate to this year’s “Out of the Darkness St. Louis Experience,” click here.