Out of the Darkness Continues the AFSP Mission

Last week was National Suicide Prevention Week, and the sixth annual Out of the Darkness Walk here in Mercer County.

A lot has changed since the Out of the Darkness Walk at Bluefield Park last year. One of the biggest changes is that Mercer County now has its own chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Heather Bennett, the president of the Mercer county chapter, says that having a headquarters will help aid the organization in fulfilling their purpose: preventing suicide and helping survivors heal.  The chapter officially opened on August 21.

The purpose of the Out of the Darkness and Into the Light Walk is to raise money for programs such as therapy for suicide survivors and the families, friends, and community members affected by suicide. There are many factors that contribute to suicide, and the programs sponsored by AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) are designed to reach across a wide range of needs. The AFSP website states that the organization seeks to reduce suicide and suicide attempts by developing and implementing their own innovative approaches to suicide prevention. The organization also funds research and assist with dismantling the negative stigma that comes along with mental health that often discourages people from seeking the help that could save their lives.

According to the ASPF website, suicide claimed 41,149 lives in 2013 in the United States alone, with someone dying by suicide every 12.8 minutes. A suicide attempt is made every minute of every day, resulting in nearly one million attempts made annually. Suicide is also the third leading cause of death among the Millennial generation, and Mercer County has the second highest suicide rate in West Virginia.

AFSP encourages education about suicide and promotes the importance of recognizing that there is problem before the suicide. The guest speaker at the walk, Michelle Toman, spoke about warning signs and prevention.

“80 percent of people that die by suicide gave a verbal warning in the days leading up to their death. What that means is it is up to us family members, friends and community members to recognize those warning signs before it’s too late,” says Toman

 The official Out of the Darkness for Mercer County website speaks volumes of their tenacity to keep fighting for everyone affected by suicide:  “We have lost many to suicide and many have and are still suffering. But with awareness and research we are reducing the impact of suicide. We are bringing light to mental health issues. We are starting the conversation to erase the stigma. The pain is real, but so is hope.”

The fundraiser raised over $19,000, and will continue accepting donations throughout the end of the year. Their goal is $30,000.  The next event hosted by the chapter is the inaugural International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day program on November 21^st.

For anyone that would like information on getting involved, seeking counseling, or how they can donate to the West Virginia Chapter of AFSP,  you may contact Heather Bennett at heatherbarnettbennett@gmail.com. If you are struggling with contemplating suicide you can call the suicide helpline: (800) 273-TALK (8255).