Out of the Darkness Walk
Sunday, August 22 at 6:00pm
City Park (off Park Road & Dubuque Street), Iowa City
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. – Walker registration at Shelter #6 in Lower City Park
6:00 p.m. – Walkers begin 5k route
Join us and walk to prevent suicide at the first ever Out of the Darkness Walk in the Iowa City area. By participating in this non-competitive 5K, you will be walking with thousands of people nationwide to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
How to Participate
Plan to walk yourself or form a team to walk in memory of those who have died by suicide. Set a fundraising goal and let people know you are participating. Register or donate online or visit AFSP's Out of the Darkness Community Walk website for more information.
Event Details
Bring a photo or add a message to the memory board at the event. There will be entertainment during registration, which will include Flight Skool, the United Action for Youth dance group and community speakers. Snacks and water will be provided. After the walk David's Catering will be selling pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Information about the local Survivors of Suicide Support Group at The Crisis Center will be available at registration.
How Suicide Affects Johnson County
According to the most recent Johnson County Community Health Needs Assessment Report, Iowa’s suicide deaths are consistently higher than the national average.
Almost half of suicides in Johnson County have been in the 45-64 age group and another one-third of those who have died were aged 25-44. State and national data reveals that men are more likely to have died by suicide, although women have more suicide attempts overall. In Johnson County, 77% of suicide deaths have been male.
It is estimated that each year, nearly 1 million Americans make a suicide attempt, more than 33,000 die by suicide, and more than 20 million suffer from depression. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teens and young adults and the second leading cause of death for college students. Additionally, older Americans over the age of 65 account for 16 percent of all suicide death.
Who is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)?
AFSP conducts vital research and education programs to prevent suicide and save lives, increase national awareness about depression and suicide, advocate for mental health issues, and assist survivors of suicide loss.
Out of the Darkness Walks will take place this fall in more than 200 communities across the United States. Half of the money raised at the August 22nd event here in Iowa City will be used for local efforts in suicide prevention and survivor support.
More Ways to Get Involved
If you have questions about the Iowa City event, want to get involved in planning or would be interested in volunteering at the event, please contact Keri Neblett at (319) 351-0140 or by email at keri.neblett@jccrisiscenter.org.