Community Walk Spotlights Suicide Prevention, Awareness In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — Chatham Township is holding its 7th annual "Out of the Darkness Community Walk" on Saturday, Sept. 17, as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

The walk is set to begin at 5 p.m., but registration begins at 4 p.m., with proceeds benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

The event, which has drawn hundreds of participants from Morris, Essex, Union, and Somerset counties, will be held at Cougar Field in Chatham Township, 320 Shunpike Road.

The former mayor of Chatham Township and chair of the Morris County Out of the Darkness Walk was inspired to organize the walk more than six years ago, and it has since become a community activism staple.

"On average there are 132 suicides a day; in New Jersey, suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth between 10 and 24," Ritter said. "We must act now and we must continue to shine a bright light on this important issue."

The Chatham Township Out of the Darkness Walk is one of more than 404 Out of the Darkness Community Walks being held nationwide this year.

"When I was Mayor of Chatham Township I made a concerted effort to increase the awareness of mental illness and suicide prevention. My interest in doing so stemmed from my early days on the Township Committee when I learned of a young father in town who died by suicide. Over the years we have continued to witness other heartbreaking stories in Chatham and our surrounding communities," Ritter said.

Individuals from Morris, Essex and Union counties are expected to participate in the Chatham Township Walk, which will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's local and national education and advocacy programs, as well as its audacious goal of reducing the annual suicide rate by 20 percent by 2025.

"Our annual walk has been successful in raising more than $500,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and importantly raising awareness of suicide prevention," Ritter added. “I encourage all residents, young and old, to consider participating and getting involved. While suicide does not discriminate, it is preventable and together we can make a difference. It is my hope that our walking will also lead to talking, which is what we need to do to remove the stigma around mental illness."

According to AFSP, the Out of the Darkness Walks started in 2004, in memory of those lost. The walks raise awareness about suicide, with the intention to lessen the risks and provide mental health support to those who need it.

"Whether you’re able to join us on September 17 or not, please consider having a conversation with your family and friends. Remind them that suicide is now the nation's tenth leading cause of death and the second leading cause of death for Americans aged 15-34," Ritter said.

To donate or to register for the Morris County walk, click here for more information. Anyone with questions may call Elizabeth Clemens from the organization at 908-514-6028 or eroithmayr@afsp.org.