The Bowling Green chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will hold an “Out of the Darkness” walk Sunday, Sept. 8, at the Bowling Green Hot Rods Stadium to raise awareness for individuals impacted by thoughts of suicide or depression.
The AFSP started the Out of the Darkness movement in 2004 to foster a culture that encourages open discussion about mental health and suicide prevention. There are over 400 events across all 50 states. AFSP’s primary goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide, according to the AFSP mission statement.
“These events give people courage to open up about their own connections to the cause, and a platform to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost,” the AFSP website states.
There will be food trucks, merchandise tents, photo booths and resource tables at the event. A “Bead Ceremony,” where participants wear different colored beads symbolizing their connection to the cause, will take place. Individuals will have a chance to share personal stories based on those beads. A hope and healing activity will also be available for individuals to share messages of hope and remembrance.
Katelyn Simpson, a Bowling Green Out of the Darkness walk organizer, became involved in the walks after losing her brother in 2005. She first attended a walk in Louisville, which led to her increased involvement in the cause. The Bowling Green community has now held Out of the Darkness walks for over a decade.
Simpson said these walks “bring hope to people” and provide comfort by showing participants they are “not alone” among like minded people.
“The first step is getting there,” Simpson said. She explained how this step is often the hardest for people, but it’s worthwhile.
On-site registration starts at 1 p.m and the program begins at 2 p.m. No registration fee is required, but people are strongly encouraged to set a $150 fundraising goal to help support AFSP’s work. Individuals who raise $150 receive an official Out of the Darkness T-shirt.
Individuals can get involved by joining or creating a team, gathering donations, promoting the walk, or by volunteering to help with the walk. WKU organizations Delta Zeta and WKU Psychology have donated toward the cause, according to the Bowling Green Out of the Darkness website. Donations are accepted until Dec. 31. Dogs leashed are welcome.
Simpson expressed gratitude for Cheetah Clean Auto Wash, Bowling Green’s walk sponsor for over three years. The company is a top supporter of the cause, raising $345 in donations so far. Other key volunteers behind the walk include Amy Combs, Rebecca Simpson and Chris Booker.
Katelyn Simpson or Tracy Morrison can be contacted for any additional questions about the event. Their contact information and a registration link can be found through the Bowling Green Out of the Darkness website.
News Reporter Abigail Vickers can be reached at [email protected].
