A community walk focused on suicide prevention will take place Saturday at Tropical Park in Miami-Dade County. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is hosting its Out of the Darkness Walk at 9 a.m.
The event raises money for suicide prevention research, advocacy and school-based educational programs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14 and young adults ages 15 to 24.
Event chair Olivia Shears said the walk has personal meaning for her. She first attended five years ago, after losing a friend to suicide, and said finding people who understood her grief helped her heal.
Saturday’s program includes speakers, therapy dogs and activities honoring loved ones who died by suicide, followed by the walk itself. Registration remains open for anyone who wants to take part.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. People can also text TALK to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
