Coast residents unite for Out of the Darkness Walk during Suicide Prevention Month

BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV)- Hundreds of people are expected to hit the beach in Biloxi Saturday morning to raise awareness during National Suicide Prevention Month.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is inviting the community to come together for its annual ‘Out of the Darkness’ Community Walk.

With suicide remaining one of the nation’s leading causes of death, organizers hope the event will help save lives. Gulf Coast Walk Chair Catherine Poore said, “Come see your local support group. Come make those connections, whether it’s with new people you never met. Bring your friends or family along. Seeing the organizations that come out and support us as well and support you. At the end of the day, they’re there for you to know that they exist. So don’t ever feel like there’s not hope. Don’t ever feel like you’re alone in a situation. Don’t feel like there’s not anywhere to start. There are always resources where to start. There are support groups in your areas. There are people like me who are certified in these soft talks through AFSP. There are events like this that happen ongoing that you just got to come make these connections so you know where to start.”

On Saturday, check-in starts at 9 a.m. with the walk beginning at 10 at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum and Convention Center.

Funds raised support suicide prevention research, advocacy, and education programs across Mississippi.