Local participants across the Emerald Coast join the movement of over a quarter of a million people. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, yet suicide is preventable. Supporters throughout Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and nearby communities will be participating in the 7th Annual Emerald Coast Out of the Darkness Community Walk hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Florida Panhandle Chapter at 10:00 a.m., October 19th at John Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island. This fundraising walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s local and national education and advocacy programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual rate of suicide 20 percent by 2025.

“Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by walking we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Out ultimate goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Jessica Roberts, Florida Panhandle Chapter Board Chairperson.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please email flpanhandle@afsp.org.

The event is free and open to the public. Interested participants, walkers, and donors can visit AFSP.org/EmeraldCoast to register for the upcoming walk and to learn more.

The post Volunteers Walk to Fight Suicide appeared first on South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information.