Out of the Darkness Walk to raise money for suicide prevention

By By EMMA WRIGHT

Story Created: Sep 18, 2009 at 3:58 PM EST

Story Updated: Sep 18, 2009 at 5:20 PM EST

MARCY, N.Y. (WKTV) - Every sixteen minutes, a life is lost of suicide in the United States.

It's the third leading cause of death among people ages 15-24. This year, the number of people who have seriously considered suicide is up.

On Saturday, September 19, 2009, the 2nd annual "Out of the Darkness Community Walk" will be held on the SUNYIT campus in Marcy. It's raising money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend, and money raised from walks all over the country will go towards funding research and education programs for people suffering from mental disorders, and people who have lost a loved one.

The goal is to erase the stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness.

According to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the number of people who have completed and seriously thought about suicide is up this year.

Race coordinator Pat Zawka lost her son to suicide 3 years ago. She says she wants people to know help for suicide is out there. Her goal for this year's walk is to raise $10,000.

Registration for Saturday's walk starts at 8 a.m on the SUNYIT campus and all are welcome.
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