PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Out of the Darkness Walk, an event to raise awareness about suicide prevention, takes place later this morning at Highmark Stadium. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at about 10:30 a.m.
“Fifteen years ago I lost my father to suicide and that’s how I initially got involved with the organization,” said Jesse Putkoski, director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s western Pennsylvania chapter. “We want to teach people that mental health is just as important as physical health.”
The walk connects people impacted by mental health struggles while bringing awareness and funding for suicide prevention organizations. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has funded more than $20 million in collaboration with the Northwest Pennsylvania Veteran Suicide Prevention Program, UPMC, Highmark Health, and other partners.
Another Out of the Darkness Walk is scheduled later this month in Washington, Pennsylvania. The AFSP and its partners regularly host suicide prevention events to inform the community about available resources.
Participants, donors, and residents can track how their contributions support mental health research on AFSP’s website. Federal advocacy, education, research, and community support are among the ways organizations aim to help those affected by suicide.
“We actually have our wooden hope sign where people can write messages and talk about why they are here walking for a cause,” Putkowski said. “We are not here because of love that has been lost but because of love that has continued.”
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and includes World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10.
For those struggling with mental health or experiencing a crisis, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text 741741 to connet with the Crisis Text Line.
