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

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, yet suicide can be prevented. Volunteers from Minot, ND 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 Minot Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the AFSP ND Chapter− www.afsp.org/minot will be held at 12:00pm, Sunday, September 8th at Oak 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 help other families who have experienced a suicide loss. Our ultimate goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Twyla Hofer, Minot Out of the Darkness Community Walk Co-Chair.

The Minot 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. Last year this local walk, raised over $40,000 and had more than 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.”

Sponsors, Walkers, and Volunteers for the Minot Out of the Darkness Walk are still needed. Free registration at afsp.org/minot