‘Out of the Darkness’ walk benefits suicide prevention efforts in Maine

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — This year’s walk will be in Presque Isle for the first time, starting at Aroostook Center Mall. The walk will benefit the Aroostook chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) by helping to support local and national suicide prevention and awareness programs. The walk takes place on Saturday, September 20, with check in at 9:00 a.m. and the walk, at 10:00 a.m. A short program will kick off the event with a raffle drawing after.
The Aroostook Out of the Darkness Walk is one of over 100 walks being held this fall nationwide, from September through December. There will be four other walks in Maine: in Portland on 9/7, Bangor on 9/28, Camden on 10/11, and Waterville on 10/18. Nationally, the walks are expected to unite over 25,000 walkers and raise over $2.5 million for AFSP. Those interested may register online at www.outofthedarkness.org.
“Suicide is a national health problem, but unlike other issues such as cancer and diabetes, there is a stigma associated with suicide,” said Rhoda Freeman, Area Director for the AFSP-Maine and a survivor of a suicide loss herself.
“It is estimated that close to 1 million Americans make a suicide attempt, more than 32,000 die by suicide, and more than 20 million suffer from depression each year.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teens and young adults and the second leading cause of death for college students. Additionally, older Americans over the age of 65 account for 20% of all suicide deaths.
“Every 16 minutes someone dies by suicide in the U.S.,” said Robert Gebbia, Executive Director for AFSP. “This fall, thousands are walking to raise money for prevention and awareness and to offer hope to the millions of Americans who have lost a loved one to suicide or have battled with depression.
Local sponsors for the Presque Isle walk include: Platinum Lifesaver Level: Aroostook Mental Health Center; Gold Lifesaver Level: Wal-Mart in Houlton; Bronze Lifesaver Level: University of Maine at Presque Isle.
AFSP is the only national not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding suicide prevention research, education and awareness programs, both to prevent suicides and to assist those affected by suicide. AFSP was founded in 1987 by concerned scientists, business and community leaders, and by those who had lost loved ones to suicide. It is headquartered in New York City with affiliate offices nationwide.
For more information, please contact Sarah McLean, at 498-3893, or email her at sarah_e_mclean@yahoo.com.