A SusanvilleStuff Photofeature
by Jessica Swank
Hundreds of participants gathered at Susanville’s Memorial Park September 7th, joining with thousands of people across the country to raise awareness and funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. A host of teams took part in the Out of the Darkness community walk, raising funds for the non-profit organization that invests in new research, creates educational programs, advocates for public policy and supports survivors of suicide loss.
According to organizers these community walks, held in hundreds of cities across the country, give people the courage to open up about their own struggle or loss, and provide a platform to change our culture’s approach to mental health.
Currently the total raised by last Saturday’s walk stands at $1,845.
The event in Memorial Park included a Bead Ceremony with different colored beads that represent how suicide has affected a person’s life.
Speakers shared their personal stories of loss and hope and afterward the participants walked a course up to Weatherlow Street, down Main Street, back across Grand Avenue and to North Street and the park.
Agencies and organizations like Lassen Public Health, Susanville Indian Rancheria and the Lassen County Sheriff’s office all set up informational booths to help disseminate resources.
