News
September 14, 2022Capital District Walks to Raise Awareness and Fight Suicide This Fall
Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, yet suicide can be prevented. Volunteers from throughout the Northeastern NY are joining the quarter of a million people who are walking in towns across the United States to draw attention to the fight for suicide prevention. The annual Northeastern NY Out of the Darkness Walks, hosted by the CRNY – Capital Region NY Chapter will be held on the following dates:
CAPITAL REGION WALK — September 25th — Orenda Pavilion in Saratoga Spa State Park
SCHENECTADY WALK — October 2nd – Central Park in Schenectady NY
These walks support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s education and support programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual U.S. rate of suicide 20 percent by the year 2025.
“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 Sandra Goldmeer, CRNY Area Director.
These walks join more than 550 Out of the Darkness Overnight, Community and Campus Walks being held nationwide this year. The walks are expected to unite more than 300,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts. Last year, these walks raised over $27 million for suicide prevention.
Last year we came back from the pandemic and had live walks at all four locations, engaging close to 2000 total walkers locally and raising over $250,000. This year’s goal is $350,000 and between all the walks over 2500 participants are expected.
Registration is free and there is not a fundraising requirement. The event will include not only the walk but other awareness and memorial activities.
“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.”
To register or for more information – go to – www.afsp.org/Capitalregiontogether
