Out of the Darkness Walk raises suicide awareness

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in this country, and, sadly, again has made Montana No. 1 for the number of suicides completed in 2017. It touches millions of lives — people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds — but the research is clear: suicide is preventable, and the more people who stand up for suicide prevention and mental health, the more lives we can save.

If you’ve lost someone to suicide, or you or someone you know suffers from a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, please join us for the Flathead Valley Out of the Darkness Walk to fight suicide on Sept. 16, 2018 at 2 p.m., checking in at 1 p.m. at the Gateway Community Center in Kalispell. You can register online at: afsp.org/FlatheadValley. I’m walking for all of those suffering from mental health conditions which put them at risk, as well as the survivors of suicide, their families and friends.

Funds raised support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and its bold goal to reduce the annual suicide rate in the United States 20 percent by 2025 through research, education, advocacy, and support. These walks are truly uplifting experiences, building community, educating people about mental health issues, and the Walks grow every year. Hope to see you there.

Alison Harr Schmaltz

Chairman, Flathead Valley Out of the Darkness Community Walk