Volunteers Walk to Fight Suicide

Movement of a Quarter of a Million People Joined by Local Participants in Erie

Erie, PA − Suicide is the 13th leading cause of death in Pennsylvania, yet suicide can be prevented. Volunteers from Erie, PA and the surrounding areas 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 Erie Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the Western Pennsylvania Chapter will be held at 9:30 a.m. on September 24th at the Rotary Pavilion in Presque Isle State Park. This walk supports 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 Jesse Putkoski, the Area Director for the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of AFSP.

The Erie Out of the Darkness Community Walk is one of 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 $21 million for suicide prevention. In 2021, this local walk raised over $32,000 and had over 500 participants.

"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 for the Erie Out of the Darkness Walk and to help us continue our mission of saving lives and bringing hope, go to afsp.org/erie.

The American Foundation for Suicide Preventionis 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.