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Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,240
9,277
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, yet suicide is preventable. Supporters throughout Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and nearby communities will be participating in the 5th Annual Emerald Coast Out of the Darkness Community Walk hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Florida Panhandle Chapter at 10:00 a.m., November 11th at John Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island. 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.

The event is free and open to the public. Online registration is encouraged, and day-of registration and check-in will begin at 9:00am with the Opening Ceremony at 10:00am with the walk kicking off at the close of the ceremony. Food and snacks will be provided including pizza from Helen Back. Official AFSP t-shirts will be available for sale, as well as a raffle tickets with packages from several local businesses including a BOTE HD paddleboard!

Interested participants, walkers, and donors can visit AFSP.org/EmeraldCoast to register for the upcoming walk and learn more.

“This was the first event of its kind in the area and we’re so excited to be celebrating the 5th annual event this year.” says Donna Williamson, Chapter Chair. “We have raised over $64,500 as part of the Emerald Coast Out of the Darkness Walk and over $175,000 as a Chapter across all of our events. We hope to continue with the immense support we’ve felt in the community and help those in need for many years to come.”

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The Emerald Coast Out of the Darkness 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.

“These walks are about turning hope into action,” said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. “Suicide is a serious problem, but it’s a problem we can solve. The research has shown us how to fight suicide, and if we keep up the fight the science is only going to get better, our culture will get smarter about mental health, and we’ll be able to save more people from dying from depression and other mental health conditions.”

If your or your business is interested in becoming a sponsor, please email flpanhandle@afsp.org.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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