Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death for individuals ages 15 – 34, yet suicide is preventable. More than 800 people from Manassas, VA are expected to participate in the 2017 Manassas Out of the Darkness Community Walk to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) at 2:00 p.m., September 10, 2017 at Harris Pavilion. This event supports AFSP’s local and national education programs, advocacy programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual rate of suicide 20 percent by 2025.
“We walk to raise awareness about this important health issue. Suicide touches one in five American families and we hope that by walking we save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Ellen Shannon, Area Director of AFSP’s National Capital Area Chapter.
The 2017 Manassas Out of the Darkness Community Walk is one of more than 400 Out of the Darkness Community Walks being held nationwide this year. The walks are expected to unite more than 250,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts. The 2016 Manassas Out of the Darkness Community Walk hosted more than 650 participants and raised over $50,000. This year, we have set goals to host 800 walkers and raise $60,000!
Speakers at the 2017 Manassas Out of the Darkness Walk will include community leaders, individuals with lived experience, and family members of those lost to suicide.
“These walks are about turning hope into action,” said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. “Suicide is a serious problem, but it’s a problem we can solve. The research has shown us how to fight suicide, and if we keep up the fight the science is only going to get better, our culture will get smarter about mental health, and we’ll be able to save more people from dying from depression and other mental health conditions.”
For more information, to register to walk with us or to learn about our sponsorship opportunities, visit afsp.org/manassas or contact Volunteer Manassas Walk Chair, Beth Lynn, at Chair.ManassasWalk@gmail.com.
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. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
