The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) was founded in 1987 with the goal of providing to those affected by suicide "a nationwide community empowered by research, education, and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death."
The AFSP has set a lofty goal to reduce the suicide rate by 20% by 2025. As part of that initiative, the AFSP holds annual community Out of the Darkness walks.
The Community Walks, held in hundreds of cities across the country, are the core of the Out of the Darkness movement, which began in 2004. These events give people the courage to open up about 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. (from the AFSP website)
On November 6, 2021, an Out of the Darkness community walk was held at Wickham Park, in Brevard County, Florida. Many suicide prevention organization members and behavioral health representatives were available to share resources and information with the walk attendees. Lara Klopp, a graduate student in the Florida State University (FSU) College of Social Work's MSW program, shared information about the college, its different degree programs, and the multitude of career opportunities available to social workers. In order to bring more much-needed social work professionals to Brevard County, FSU College of Social Work has scholarships available to Brevard residents who attend the FSU CSW to earn their BSW or MSW degree.
At Saturday's event, hundreds of attendees gathered to share their experiences, speak about their loved ones who have been lost to suicide, and walk to raise awareness of the suicide epidemic as well as the need for better mental health services in the county, state, and country. Brevard County's Out of the Darkness walk chairperson, Deborah Kofkin, expressed joy at the large turnout, and hope for the future.
If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is out there; you are not alone. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, confidential support at 800-273-8255. The Florida Veterans Crisis Line, also 24/7, is 844-MyFLVet (844-693-5838).