"Out of the Darkness" Walk Spotlights Suicide Prevention In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — As part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness about suicide prevention, Chatham Township will hold its 7th Annual Chatham Township Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Saturday, Sept. 17.

The walk is scheduled for 5 p.m., but registration begins at 4 p.m., and proceeds will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The event, which has attracted hundreds of participants from Morris, Essex, Union, and Somerset counties, will take place at Cougar Field in Chatham Township, which is located at 320 Shunpike Road.

"The Morris County Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about. By registering for the walk, you are joining a strong community united in an effort to fight suicide while showing up for yourself, recognizing and honoring those you love, raising awareness, educating communities, supporting one another, and sharing hope," said AFSP Executive Director Elizabeth Clemens.

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.

Individuals from Morris, Essex, and Union counties are expected to take part in the Chatham Township Walk, which will benefit the AFSP'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.

According to the organization, 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.

The organization states the walks benefit by investing "in life-saving research, education, advocacy and support for those impacted by suicide."

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.

"Every dollar raised, allows AFSP to invest in life-saving research, education, advocacy, and support for those impacted by suicide," Clemens 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.