Salve Regina, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention host Out of Darkness Walk

salvetoday Posted On October 18, 2022
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On Saturday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to Noon, Salve Regina and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) are partnering to host the Southern Rhode Island Out of the Darkness Walk. This collaboration will bring together the University community with the local southern Rhode Island community to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

“Since starting in my role in January, students, faculty, staff and community members have brought to my attention the need for awareness and education around mental health,” said McKenzie McNamara, health education and prevention coordinator in the Dean of Students Office. “There are many members in our community at Salve who have been personally impacted by suicide, and this walk brings people together to support one another.”

Salve Regina will be hosting three teams for the event — one for students, one for alumni, and one for faculty and staff. The University hopes that the Salve Regina community will join a team, raise money and walk on Oct. 22. The general public is also encouraged to attend and make their own teams.

Registration starts at 9 a.m. in McAuley Hall, and the event starts at 10 a.m. on the lawn behind McAuley Hall. The links to register for the three teams for Salve Regina are listed here:

People do not need to attend the walk in person, according to McNamara. Anyone can register for one of the teams, raise funding and show their support even if they cannot make it to the actual event. People also don’t have to register ahead of time, but they should consider doing so in order to tell their story in their walk profile, share across social media, and raise funds for the AFSP.

“There are so many reasons people should connect with the Out of the Darkness Walk,” said McNamara. “I think the number one reason people should join is to be apart of the movement to end the stigma around mental health and support those affected by suicide. Raising money for through this event supports research, education, and awareness events — which support the mission to save lives and bring hope.”

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention collaborates with communities and schools across the country to host Out of the Darkness Walks for those affected by suicide and those who support them to raise awareness that suicide is preventable and no one is alone. The fundraising directly supports research, education and awareness campaigns across the nation.

“When connecting with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we decided that collaborating to host the Southern Rhode Island Out of the Darkness Walk would bring a bigger impact and engagement,” said McNamara. “Through this greater impact, we are able to connect our students and community members to more resources and support networks.”

For additional information on the event, please go to AFSP’s Southern Rhode Island Out of the Darkness Walk. If anyone at Salve Regina has questions specific to the University’s participation, please email McKenzie McNamara at mckenzie.mcnamara@salve.edu.