At the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), we are currently in full swing of the Out of the Darkness Community Walk season, with our wonderful volunteers and staff busy planning over 400 Walks nationwide. The Out of the Darkness Walks raises awareness and much-needed funds to combat suicide, which has long been a leading cause of death. The Walks spread hope and spark much-needed conversations within communities all across the country. The Atlanta Community Walk holds a special place in my heart — especially this year, as it is Atlanta’s 20th annual event.  

The Out of the Darkness Community Walks started in 2004. I was hired by Mike Lamma (now the Chief Operating Officer for AFSP) and asked to lead a small group of dedicated survivors of suicide loss in navigating the world of event planning, Walker recruitment, and fundraising. My professional background is in psychiatric nursing, and my volunteer background is more closely aligned with this Walk coordinator position. 

That first year in Atlanta, 248 people walked with us in Piedmont Park and $57,000 was raised — most of which came from several companies providing us with start-up money. AFSP had 24 Walks nationwide that first year, which raised $800,000 in all.  

Not a bad start — but we’ve come such a long way since then in so many different ways.  

The funds raised through the Out of the Darkness Walks contribute directly to our efforts to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide: caring support for those who’ve lost a loved one, research that helps reveal how lives can be saved in the future, suicide prevention education programs, public policy advocacy, and more. It’s thanks to our record of translating these funds into practical and impactful action that we have been awarded an“A” rating from Charity Watch and four-stars on Charity Navigator. 

Last year, over 5,000 people…