Central Mississippi Out of the Darkness Walk happening Oct. 21 at Strawberry Patch Park

MADISON – The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (ASFP) is hosting a walk on Oct. 21 at Strawberry Patch Park to spread awareness and hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss.

Carely Dolezal, special events manager for the Louisiana and Mississippi Chapters of the ASFP, said the organization was founded in 1987 and funds scientific research, educates the public about mental health and suicide prevention, advocates for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention, and supports survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide. 

According to the ASFP website, a small group of caring individuals had a vision to establish a private source of support for suicide research and education so that essential suicide prevention efforts could be sustained into the future. These founding families, each of whom had lost someone to suicide, joined with scientists to create the AFSP.

The walk, named “Out of the Darkness Central Mississippi Walk,” is one of five in Mississippi, the others being held in Biloxi, Tupelo, Oxford, and Grenada. 

“This walk is a symbolic time to ‘walk out of the darkness’ and be part of a community,” Dolezal said. “The most important thing to note is that the walks are a time for people to come together and support each other and remember those they’ve lost. It’s a hopeful event where people are given the courage to open up about their connection to the cause and help raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health, something that is often stigmatized.” 

Check in for the walk starts at 9 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Walkers can enjoy beverages and snacks and collect “Honor Beads,” which symbolize those lost to suicide. ASFP resources will also be on site to observe. 

Dolezal said Strawberry Patch Park is a great central location for the walk and will be a nice place for everyone to participate. 

“We are hoping to grow and expand to bigger places in the future,” she said. “We might have awards after the walk, but right now that is to be determined.” 

For more information about ASFP, visit their website at www.asfp.org. To register for the walk, visit www.supporting.asfp.org.