Out Of The Darkness St. Petersburg Walk Rescheduled Nov. 23

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming the lives of more than 47,000 people in 2017. What’s more is an estimated 1,400,000 people attempt suicide each year.

Suicide among veterinarians, specifically, has become a growing problem. In fact, veterinarians are up to 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than other Americans. Over the last 30 years, research has consistently shown that vets are at significantly higher risk of suicide than the general population, owing to a mix of factors that include occupational stress, depression and “burnout syndrome.”

BluePearl, a national provider of emergency and specialty veterinary services, with 76 hospitals in 24 states, hopes to help lower these numbers by participating in over 20 Out of the Darkness Community Walks nationwide including a walk in St. Petersburg on Saturday, Nov. 23.

By walking in the Out of the Darkness Walks, BluePearl vets and technicians join efforts with more than 400 communities in raising awareness and funds that support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in its fight to end suicide.

Spreading the word will help AFSP reach its set goal of reducing the annual suicide rate 20 percent by 2025.

The St. Petersburg walk will take place at South Straub Park Saturday, Nov. 23.

Check-in is at 8 a.m. There will be a program at 9:30 a.m. and the walk will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

So far, the St. Petersburg walk has raised more than $86,000 in donations.

To donate or participate, click here.