Central Florida families and faith communities will gather for two Out of the Darkness walks organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The events, scheduled for Sept. 26 in Lake County and Sept. 27 in Volusia County, aim to honor loved ones lost to suicide, provide a supportive environment, and advance the mission of suicide prevention during Suicide Awareness Month.
Event details
The first walk takes place Saturday, Sept. 26, at Victory Pointe (938 Victory Way, Clermont). Check‑in begins at 8 a.m., with the walk starting at 9 a.m. Participants can choose a distance of one to three miles. The second walk is Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Kenneth W. Parker Amphitheater in Port Orange. Check‑in also begins at 8 a.m., and the walk starts at 9 a.m., offering the same 1‑to‑3‑mile options.
Both walks are non‑competitive and include an opening ceremony, activities focused on hope and healing, resource tables, and complimentary honor beads for every participant. NancyJo Santee, a board member of the foundation, highlighted the importance of community support, saying the walks give people “a chance to know you’re not alone and to make a difference together.”
Resources for those in crisis
Attendees and community members can access a range of free, confidential resources:
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Central Florida Chapter
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Florida
- Mental Health Association of Central Florida (MHACF)
If you or a loved one face an immediate emergency, call 911.
Why the walks matter
Suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people in Florida. By gathering families, friends, faith leaders and mental‑health professionals, the walks foster a network of care that aligns with Christian values of compassion and the constitutional right to seek help without stigma. The events also reinforce the traditional family pillar, encouraging parents and caregivers to engage openly about mental‑health challenges.
Local churches and community groups have already pledged support, offering transportation, prayer stations and volunteer staffing. Organizers hope the visibility of the walks will inspire more Floridians to reach out for help and to support legislation that expands mental‑health services at the state level.
How to participate
Registration is free and can be completed online through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website. Participants are encouraged to wear bright colors or the provided honor beads to symbolize hope. Families are welcome to bring children, and there will be designated family‑friendly zones at both locations.
These walks exemplify the power of local action to address a national crisis, reminding us that every community can be a beacon of hope.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
