Riverside County Hosts Out of Darkness Walks to Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention
September 17, 2024
RIVERSIDE, CA (Sept. 17, 2024) – The public is invited to participate in two upcoming Out of Darkness Community Walks in Riverside and the Coachella Valley to spotlight suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
The walks are sponsored by Riverside University Health System (RUHS) and the Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition, in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
The two events are scheduled for 9 a.m. on Sept. 28 at Fairmount Park located at 2601 Fairmount Blvd. in Riverside and at 9 a.m. on Oct. 19 at Civic Center Park located at 43900 San Pablo Ave. in Palm Desert.
“Each life matters, and in Riverside County, we are committed to doing everything in our power to prevent the tragedy of suicide. The Out of Darkness Walks are a powerful reminder that we stand united in this mission,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.
Held annually in Riverside County, the events gather the community in remembrance and awareness. Participants connect, share stories and strengthen a culture of mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Participants will honor those lost to suicide through memorial activities and take part in interactive booths and resources that offer education and support.
“Riverside County has made significant strides in suicide prevention, achieving a 16 percent decrease in suicide rates from 2019 to 2022. However, each life lost is a tragedy, and continued efforts are essential to support those at risk,” said First District Supervisor Kevin Jeffries.
RUHS has been at the forefront of this mission, engaging more than 10,000 residents in suicide prevention and mental health awareness, including training approximately 1,500 individuals in the past fiscal year alone.
“At RUHS, our mission goes beyond treating symptoms; it’s about fostering hope, resilience, and connection,” said Dr. Matthew Chang, RUHS Behavioral Health Director. “We have seen the impact that informed, compassionate care can have and are dedicated to extending our reach even further.”
The Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition, formed by the Board of Supervisors in 2020, is an alliance of Riverside County and community organizations and agencies dedicated to reducing suicide rates through community outreach and education.
The Coalition offers suicide prevention and mental health awareness trainings, including safeTALK, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and Mental Health First Aid, which equip individuals to recognize and respond to signs of suicidal behavior. The Coalition also hosts a conference for the public each October.
Community members are invited to join the Suicide Prevention Coalition team at the Out of Darkness Community Walk or create their own teams by registering online.
For those unable to attend the walks, there are options to donate or raise funds through the team’s page. All contributions are 100 percent tax-deductible and aid AFSP’s goal of reducing the suicide rate by 20 percent by 2025.
Visit https://www.ruhealth.org/events/out-of-darkness-walks-24 for more information or to register or donate.
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