Walkers from Santa Barbara County, on Saturday, Sept. 28, will join the quarter of a million people walking in towns across the nation to draw attention to the fight for suicide prevention.
The annual AFSP Santa Barbara Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the Greater Los Angeles & Central Coast Chapter, will be at 10 a.m. (9 a.m. check-in) at Goleta Beach Park. The two-mile walk steps out immediately following opening statements.
The community awareness and fundraising event supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s public education and support programs, life-saving research, and advocacy work at the state and federal levels.
“Suicide touches one in five American families,” said Louisa Rocque, AFSP executive director, Greater Los Angeles & Central Coast. “We hope that by walking and connecting with one another, we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss.
“Our ultimate goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.”
AFSP’s Santa Barbara event is one of some 400 AFSP Out of the Darkness Community Walks being held this year that are expected to unite more than 300,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts.
Last year, the walks raised $21 million for suicide prevention.
In 2023, the Santa Barbara County Out of the Darkness Community Walk exceeded its goal, raising more than $50,000, and attracting some 370 participants.
Speakers at the 2024 AFSP Santa Barbara Out of the Darkness Walk include:
Santa Barbaran Bonnie Beedles, educator, artist and coach, talking about her experience; and Emiliano Campobello, an Indigenous artist, musician and activist, who will share of his story of loss, using his words and musical performance to help others.
Suzanne Grimmesey, walk co-chair will emcee the event.
“This year we want people to join us in walking to create a world without suicide” said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. “By walking you are helping AFSP make progress in prevention through research, advocacy, education and support to those affected by suicide.
“I’m in awe of our courageous volunteers who are lifting their voices to inform local and national leaders of the support needed to reduce suicide and save lives.”
The Santa Barbara Out of the Darkness Community Walk includes local sponsors: Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness, Lightfully Behavioral Health, Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc., and New Beginnings Counseling Center.
To sign up for the Santa Barbara Out of the Darkness Walk, visit www.afsp.org/santabarbara. Walk donations are accepted until Dec. 31 at www.afsp.org/santabarbara.
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