At Jones Beach, out of the darkness walk unites thousands

Thousands gathered at Jones Beach on Oct. 27 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk. The event aimed to raise awareness about mental health and support those affected by suicide loss, drawing over 3,000 participants, according to organizers.

Many participants walked in memory of loved ones lost to suicide, Funds raised will help support local and national mental health initiatives, such as providing free mental health awareness and suicide prevention programs in schools, workplaces, and community groups. This year, the chapter raised over $512,000.

The Long Island Out of the Darkness walk has grown significantly since it began, moving to Jones Beach to accommodate increasing attendance. Ann Morrison-Pacella, the Long Island chapter’s executive director, said the event’s growth shows the community’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges, with the aim of reducing stigma and encouraging open discussions.

Suicide rates among young adults have slightly declined in recent years, a trend that experts attribute to greater awareness and open dialogue about mental health. AFSP’s programs aim to make mental health discussions as accepted as physical health topics.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2022 Data & Statistics Fatal Injury Report, nearly 49,000 Americans died by suicide that year, with approximately 1.4 million suicide attempts reported. The report highlighted that men died by suicide at a rate 3.85 times higher than women, with white males making up 68.46% of suicide deaths. Firearms were the method used in 54.64% of these cases, underscoring the importance of firearm safety in suicide prevention efforts. However, there is optimism in the findings: 94% of surveyed adults believe that suicide is preventable, indicating strong public support for mental health initiatives aimed at reducing suicide rates.

The walk is one of AFSP’s top three fundraising events and is part of a broader series of walks held nationwide. AFSP organizes more than 400 walks each year, according to its website, along with other events to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention. According to the foundation, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., with efforts focused on reducing these statistics through community engagement and educational programs.

For more information about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, visit their website at afsp.org.