300 to Participate in Erie, PA Community Walk for Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Erie, PA, October 07, 2011 --(PR.com)-- More than 300 from the Erie region have registered to participate in the 2011 Out Of The Darkness Community Walk, beginning at 1:00pm at the Presque Isle State Park’s Rotary Pavilion on Sunday, October 9, 2011. Family members, friends and colleagues will gather to remember and honor loved ones who attempted or died by suicide. Proceeds will benefit the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, and will be used for local suicide awareness and prevention education.

What: The Erie Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a fundraising walk to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. There are 200 Out of the Darkness Community Walks taking place throughout the U.S. this fall. Nationally, more than 45,000 walkers are expected to participate. Last year, more than 175 walks brought together 36,000 participants and raised more than $9 million. Proceeds will fund research, education and support programs both locally and nationally.

Where: Rotary Pavilion, Presque Isle State Park

When: Sunday, October 9, 2011. 11:30am – Walker registration, 1:00pm; walkers begin a 1 mile short route or 3 mile walk before return to Pavilion.

Why: It is estimated that each year, nearly 1 million Americans make a suicide attempt, more than 32,000 die by suicide, and more than 20 million suffer from depression. 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 16 percent of all suicide deaths.

Sponsors: Stairways Behavioral Health, Gannon University, Penn State University, Mercyhurst College, Saint Vincent Health System, VA Medical Center, Erie County Coroner’s Office, People After Loss from Suicide, Mental Health Association of NW PA, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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