Suicide Prevention Walk

Recently, our staff participated in an annual walk sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) here in San Francisco, called Out of the Darkness Walk. There are over 350 walks around the country, which raise funding to support suicide prevention programs. We are particularly drawn to this event because everyone on our staff has been impacted by the loss of a loved one to suicide – parent, friend, acquaintance, or other family member. The goal of AFSP is to reduce the suicide rate 25% by 2025 with research, educational programs, advocacy for public policy, and to support survivors of suicide. Nearly 1,000 local walkers have been touched by such deaths and the feelings of empathy and community was strongly felt. We have made this walk part of our ongoing efforts to support this most worthy cause as one of the ways that we give back in the community.