MHS to hold third annual Out of the Darkness walk
Photo from last year's walk which raised $1,115. Courtesy of Megan Linski
Planning has been on for the 3rd Annual Out of Darkness Manchester High School Campus Walk, which has been scheduled for May 21st, with check in starting at 2:30 pm in Carr Park. The event is being co-sponsored by Manchester High School Key Club, Students Leading Students, SRSLY Manchester, and The National Honor Society. The walk happens, rain or shine! Anyone of any age can walk, with any size donation. Walkers who raise $100 or more will receive a walk t-shirt.
Walkers who are interested in participating this year can register right here. Organizer Megan Linski stated, “We need walkers and teams! Our goal is $1,000 this year, and we'd love to surpass it! You can also register the day of the walk at the registration booth.” In addition to walking, you can help the cause by volunteering and/or sponsoring the event. If you are interested, contact Linski by emailing her at mlinski7@gmail.com. Linski stated, “Fundraising is extremely important for suicide prevention research, and one of the main reasons we do the walk.”
Even if you aren’t able to walk, everyone is welcome to come out and spend the day at the event. Although it is a fundraiser, those who aren't able to donate are also welcome. Linski explained, “As the more people that come together to show the world that suicide isn't a character flaw, the better chance we have of beating back the stigma that surrounds mental illness.”
Similar to national trends, Washtenaw County has seen a steady increase in suicide completions. Locally, this upward trend is especially true among young people 15-24 years old, with the number of suicides increasing more than 5 times in the last decade compared to the decade before.
This year the Michigan chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is involved. With the added support, organizers are hoping to make the walk bigger and better, with outreach extending to surrounding communities such as Saline and Chelsea. They also may be adding remembrance ceremonies for those lost to suicide.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has been given a 4 star rating, the highest available, by Charity Navigator, America's largest charity evaluator. Funds raised at the walk will go towards suicide prevention programs within Washtenaw County, as well as suicide prevention research nationwide, and support groups for those who have lost someone to suicide.
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