Third Annual Stony Creek Metropark Out of the Darkness Community Walk

Hundreds of Walks Being Held Nationwide Through December 2016

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, yet suicide is preventable. More than 350 people from throughout the North Oakland and Shelby Township areas are expected to participate in the annual Stony Creek Metropark Out of the Darkness Community Walk hosted by the North Oakland AFSP at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 6 at Stony Creek Metropark Eastwood Beach. 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.

Out of the Darkness 2016

“We walk to raise awareness about this important health issue. Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by walking we save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Lisa Hook, AFSP Walk Chair.

The Stony Creek  Out of the Darkness Walk is one of more than 375 Out of the Darkness Community Walks being held nationwide this year. The walks are expected to unite more than 250,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts. With this walk last year, North Oakland raised over 50,000 and had 350 participants. 

Speakers at the Stony Creek Metropark Out of the Darkness Walk will include Steve Windom, new Detroit Metro AFSP Chair, The Linda Rea Team, Mayor Bryan Barnett and a representative from Common Ground. 

“These walks are about turning hope into action,” said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. “Suicide is a serious problem, but it’s a problem we can solve. The research has shown us how to fight suicide, and if we keep up the fight the science is only going to get better, our culture will get smarter about mental health, and we’ll be able to save more people from dying from depression and other mental health conditions.” 

Local sponsors for past Stony Creek Metropark Out of the Darkness Community Walk have included Emagine Entertainment, Mayor Bryan Barnett, The Oakland Press, The Macomb Daily, Yates Cider Mill, Shelby TV, Fresh Thyme Markets and more. We are still looking for sponsors, so please feel free to contact Walk Chair Lisa Hook at lisarhook@gmail.com for information.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.