(Disclaimer – In this article, suicide prevention is mentioned. If you are struggling with your mental health, please call the National Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 988.)
Losing a loved one, a friend, or even an acquaintance is never an easy experience. This type of loss can cause detrimental effects to the surrounding family members, coworkers, educators, school mates and
the community in general. Suicide deaths in the U.S. reached an all-time high in 2022. There is a ripple effect of suicide. “Ultimately, in the way that a pond is changed because of a pebble, an entire community can be changed by a suicide. According to a 2016 study, it is estimated that 115 people are exposed to a single suicide, with one in five reporting that this experience had a devastating impact or caused a major-life disruption.” (https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/September-2018/The-Ripple-Effect-of-Suicide) Chances are you or someone you know has been directly impacted by this issue.
The New River Valley Out of the Darkness Walk is scheduled for October 21, 2023, at Randolph Park in Dublin Virginia. This is the second annual walk. Last year over 250 community members joined us as we provided resources and support for those who have been affected by suicide. The event gives people the courage to openly discuss 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, to support those who are grieving, and to stand in solidarity with those who struggle with mental health challenges. The morning will begin at 9 am. Participants are invited to arrive to check out our many resources tables, grab a cup of coffee and a snack, purchase AFSP walk merchandise, enter a raffle, and take in the peaceful beauty of Randolph Park at the large pavilion. At 10am, we will hold a brief “Bead Ceremony” led by local radio personality Scott Stevens and presentation of the colors by a local VFW. Then participants will be given the opportunity to walk however many laps you would like around the baseball fields on a paved path. You are encouraged to walk, but if you are unable to, you are more than welcome to remain at the shelter to enjoy the music. Now, more than ever, it’s important to be there for one another and take steps to safeguard our mental health and prevent suicide in the New River Valley. If you would like more information about the walk or how to become more involved, please contact the walk chair, Caroline Mullins at csmullins@nrvcs.org or visit afsp.org/nrv.
Join our event Facebook Group for updates and information.
