Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, yet suicide is preventable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2014 (the most recent year for which full data are available), 42,773 suicides were reported, making suicide the 10th leading cause of death for Americans. In that year, someone in the country died by suicide every 12.9 minutes.

Dozens of people from throughout northwest Kansas are expected to participate in the Out of the Darkness Hays Walk hosted by the Greater Kansas Chapter of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention at 1 p.m., September 15, 2018 at Municipal Park in Hays. This fundraising walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s local and national education and advocacy programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual rate of suicide 20 percent by 2025.

“We walk to help others seek help when they need to and to help community members respond to loved ones who may need help. Suicide affects so many and can have a big impact on rural communities. We hope that by walking we save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Kyle Carlin, Greater Kansas AFSP volunteer.

The Out of the Darkness Hays Walk is one of more than 375 Out of the Darkness Community Walks being held nationwide this year. The walks are expected to unite more than 250,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts. Last year’s Hays Walk included over 80 people from northwest Kansas.

Check-in and same-day registration will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Municipal Park, and the walk will begin at 2:00 p.m. Anyone who would like to form a team, join a team, or walk as an individual, and/or donate is encouraged to register at www.afsp.org/hays.  There is no cost to participate in the walk or remembrance activities.