The Lassen County Office of Education has announced that it will not participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s annual Out of Darkness Walk, a decision that ends its long-standing sponsorship of the event. The move comes after the AFSP raised its major sponsor contribution request to $7,500, an amount the LCOE deems too burdensome for our rural community.
In a press release issued last week, the LCOE stated that while it and its partners have previously met donation requirements, the funds raised have rarely returned to Lassen County.
“We feel deeply saddened by this decision and the lack of resources the national foundation has sent us in the past,” said Megan Gray, Mental Health Director for LCOE. “Our local families and students deserve meaningful support, resources, and visibility in this important cause.”
A New Focus on Local Impact
Instead of continuing with the national event, the LCOE is now focusing on creating a local walk for 2026. The new event will ensure that all funds raised directly benefit students, families and residents within Lassen County. The goal is to provide accessible and impactful mental health and suicide prevention resources where they are most needed.
“Our community as a whole has stepped back from offering it this year to give us time to restructure at a local level and make sure the money raised is going to be used within the community,” explained LCOE Communications Specialist Kaitlyn Midgely. “Look for it returning next year as a new improved walk.”
A Continued Commitment to Suicide Prevention
Despite the change in sponsorship, the LCOE remains committed to the cause of suicide prevention.
“Suicide prevention remains a vital issue for our community,” Gray added. “We are dedicated to uplifting this cause in a way that ensures local support and local impact.”
The Lassen County Office of Education encourages anyone struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide to call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988.
