Ishpeming, MI – More than two hundred people from throughout Marquette County and the UP are expected to participate in the upcoming Out of the Darkness Community Walk on September 7th, 2013. The fundraising walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and their work locally with the Great Lakes Recovery Centers (GLRC) by helping to support local and national suicide prevention and awareness programs.
The Out of the Darkness – Marquette County Community Walk is one of more than 300 Out of the Darkness (OOTD) Community Walks (www.outofthedarkness.org) being held this fall nationwide. The walks are expected to unite more than 100,000 walkers nationally and raise more than $9.5 million for suicide prevention efforts.
“Much more needs to be done to prevent suicide. Yet, suicide and the underlying mental disorders that can sometimes lead to suicide continue to be surrounded by misinformation and stigma,” said Andy Chosa, GLRC Foundation Coordinator and OOTD organizer. “This walk is about reducing that stigma, raising awareness and raising needed funds for research and local prevention programs.”
The Out of the Darkness – Marquette County Community Walk will take place at the Al Quaal Recreation Area in Ishpeming, MI with activities starting at 9AM. Activities will include a memorial table, a memorial balloon release and light refreshments. The walk will be kicked off with opening remarks from Ishpeming Hematites coach Jeff Olson. People interested in participating are encouraged to visit www.greatlakesrecovery.org to register.
According to AFSP, close to 700,000 people will make a suicide attempt requiring medical care and more than 38,000 will die by suicide in the U.S. every year.
“Despite the troubling statistics, an important goal of the walk is to stress that suicide can be prevented. The walk is also a call to action that more must be done to prevent suicide, nationally and in communities across the country,” said Robert Gebbia, executive director for the foundation.
“We know that the best way to prevent suicide is through the early recognition and treatment of the mental disorders that can contribute to suicide. Unfortunately, stigma about disorders such as depression, bipolar illness, and alcohol and substance abuse, keeps people from getting the treatment they need. This walk is about eliminating that stigma. It’s about bringing hope to those who have been affected by suicide,” he continued.
The list of local for the Marquette County Out of the Darkness
Community Walk includes:
Straight Line Archery in Ishpeming
Northern Veterinary Associates in Ishpeming
Barbiere’s Villa Capri Italian Cuisine in Marquette
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