American Foundation for Suicide Prevention -

Jacksonville & Gainesville "Out of the Darkness" Community Walks

 

Suicide is a major national health problem that takes an enormous toll on family, friends, co-workers and the entire community.  Here are some staggering statistics:

 

  • In the United States, a person dies by suicide every 18 minutes.
  • It is estimated that an attempt is made about every 45 seconds.
  • Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 - 24 year olds, and the second major cause of death among college students.
  • Older Americans, over the age of 65, account for 20% of all suicide deaths.
  • In this country, approximately 20 Million people suffer from serious depression and close to 1 Million people attempt suicide each year.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the only non-profit organization exclusively devoted to funding the research, education, and treatment programs needed to prevent suicide.  AFSP involves survivors in its prevention work.

 

Supporting AFSP's Out of the Darkness Community Walks joins the forces of thousands of people nationwide to:

 

  • Raise money to fund AFSP's vital programs to prevent suicide and save lives,
  • Increase national awareness about depression and suicide,
  • Help create an AFSP presence throughout the country

Nearly 85 cents of every dollar goes directly to AFSP's programs of research, education and survivor services.  Up to 50% of the funds raised from the Jacksonville and Gainesville Out of the Darkness Community Walks will be available for use locally.

 

The 2010 Gainesville walk is Saturday, October 9th and the 2010 Jacksonville walk is Saturday, November 13 at Jacksonville Beach. 

 

To register to walk or for more information about the walks, please go to www.outofthedarkness.org. Additional information about AFSP is available at www.afsp.org.

 

Walk coordinator:  Kathryn S. Sumrow

 

Telephone:  904-214-9277

 

Email:  tlsumrow@bellsouth.net    

                   

SOS is a 501(c)(3) corporation, incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida and is not affiliated with any political, religious or other charitable organization. SOS depends on contributions from individuals for its financial support. If you would like to make a donation, please send your check payable to Survivors of Suicide of Northeast Florida to P.O. Box 1754, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004. Your contribution in any amount is greatly appreciated. Thank you.