Out of the Darkness Walk Sept. 20

Finances, insecurity, disappointment in life, traumatic events. Stressors vary with the person. The impact of suicide is far-reaching,

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2018, 48,344 people died of suicide, and 1.4 million suicide attempts were recorded. The rate of suicide is highest among middle-aged white men, according to the AFSP. On the average, there are 132 suicides per day; more than 50 percent of suicide deaths are by firearms.

The “Out of the Darkness Walk” is an event held annually to bring community awareness of the impact of suicide.

In the era of Covid-19, as we all try to protect our mental health and cope with uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we be there for each other and take steps to prevent suicide. Residents from Sidney and surrounding communities will be joining the thousands of people who are gathering in towns across the United States to draw attention to the suicide prevention movement. The Sidney Out of the Darkness Experience, hosted by the Nebraska Chapter, afsp.org/chapter/Nebraska, will be held on September 20, 2020 @ 4pm at the Sidney Legion Softball Field No. 3, afsp.org/Sidney. There will also be a Facebook live experience for those unable to attend in person. This gathering will support 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.

“We will be practicing physical distancing, and we will also be practicing social supporting. This event is about bringing people together to share experiences and to share hope,” said Liz Borgmann. “Suicide touches one in five American families. By connecting and sharing our stories with each other, we will keep going in the fight to stop suicide. Together, our community sends the message that you are never alone, that healing is possible, and when we connect, we create hope. Together we keep going.”

The Sidney Out of the Darkness Experience is one of hundreds of events being held nationwide this year. “We can all learn new ways to help each other save lives,” said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. “By joining an Out of the Darkness Experience, you can show people that we are strong, we are resilient, and we are hopeful. Together, we can create a culture that’s smart about mental health.”

Local sponsors for the Sidney Out of the Darkness Experience include Sidney Regional Medical Center, Dare to Be personal training, Karuna Counseling, Financial Partners, and Pepsi. To donate or join this event, visit: AFSP.org/Sidney.