West Virginia State University will hold an Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention on April 9. The event is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. outside the James C. Wilson University Union, with onsite registration starting at noon.
The walk is organized in partnership with WVSU Counseling and Wellness Services and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Organizers say anyone can register to participate as an individual or as part of a team.
According to AFSP, these walks are their signature student fundraising series aimed at involving youth and young adults in efforts to prevent suicide. Participants are encouraged to walk in support of a friend, loved one, or themselves.
The AFSP says depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and other mental health conditions affect one in four people and often go untreated. In the United States alone, someone attempts suicide every minute.
Those taking part may walk for as long as their schedules allow. Registration or donations can be made online at afsp.org/wvsu.
For more information about the event, Kellie Toledo, director of counseling and wellness services at WVSU, can be contacted by phone or email.
