Upstate SC News

Volunteers from throughout the Anderson area are participating in an Out of the Darkness Campus Walk on April 1 at Anderson University to support suicide prevention efforts.

The walk to raise awareness about the impact of suicide on the nation and raise funds for the suicide prevention efforts of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will begin at 12 p.m. with an opening ceremony at Anderson University’s G. Ross Anderson, Jr. Student Center.

Speakers at the Anderson Out of the Darkness Campus Walk include Javis Austin, a former Clemson University football player, who will share an important story of hope amid struggles with mental health.

Registration opens at 10:30 a.m. along with a health fair and opening speaker/prayer. Local sponsors include the Blood Connection, iTrust Wellness Group, Guffee Dental Associates, Restoring Hope Counseling, Ruth Harbin Counseling, Greenville Counseling Associates, the Anderson University Student Government Association and AVI Food Systems. Numerous teams have also formed to walk together that day. 

The two-mile walk begins at 12:30 p.m. The walk route takes place on the Anderson University campus.  

The walk will support the AFSP’s education, research and survivor support programs. In addition to raising awareness and funds to fight suicide, the walk will give those who attend a chance to connect with others and know they are not alone, whether they walk in memory or in support of a loved one or in honor of their own mental health journey.

“I am a survivor of a sibling lost to suicide and these walks have been a space of healing and connection for me,” said Erin Maurer, AU director of counseling services who has been leading the planning for the walk. “I am excited that we have this opportunity to bring these messages of hope, awareness, and support to our campus and this community. Together we can stop suicide.” 

The walk is being coordinated with the South Carolina chapter of AFSP. 

“Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by connecting with one another, we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our ultimate goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said John Tjaarda, the South Carolina AFSP Chapter Representative. 

The Anderson University campus walk is one of hundreds of events being held nationwide this year.

“This year we want people to join us in walking to create a world without suicide,” said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. “By walking, you are helping us make progress through research, advocacy, education and support to those affected by suicide. And you are improving our understanding of courageous volunteers who are lifting their voices to inform local and national leaders of the support needed to reduce suicide and save lives.” 

The walk is open to the public. Volunteers may pre-register or register on site on the day of the event.

To donate or join this event, visit Anderson University Campus Walk’s chapter website by clicking here. 

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have suffered a loss 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, with an advocacy office in Washington, DC, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico with programs and events nationwide. 

Original source can be found here.