Out of Darkness walk scheduled

More needs to be done to prevent suicide, a public health problem that claims a life every 15 minutes in the United States and every four days in North Dakota. However, stigma and misconceptions about mental illnesses and suicide continue to be barriers.

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week (which was Sept. 5-11), I encourage the public to learn more about suicide and ways to prevent it. On Sunday, Sept. 26, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention North Dakota Chapter will conduct it’s fifth annual Fargo-Moorhead Out of the Darkness Community Walk at Lindenwood Park’s main shelter. There are five additional walks across the state – in Williston, Bismarck-Mandan, Grand Forks, Minot and Valley City.

We encourage everyone in these communities, whether you have been touched personally by suicide or not, to join us. Funds will support suicide prevention research and education as well as other local prevention and survivor support programs.

Together we can help save lives. For more information, visit http://www.outofthedarkness.org and http://www.afsp.org/northdakota.

Weiler is a survivor of suicide loss, North Dakota chapter board member

and OOTD walk organizer.

Tags: out of darkness walk, suicide prevention, opinion, letters, health