SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — It was hard to find an open space, as hundreds of people gathered at the Levitt in downtown Sioux Falls.
“We were expecting 500. I’m going to guess we have surpassed that. Looking at our crowd, I’m going to take a wild stab that we have at least 750 to 800 people with us,” American Foundation of Suicide Prevention Janet Harvey said.
It’s all to support a cause that’s putting a spotlight on mental health.
“This is a walk that brings together families that have lost a loved one to suicide or have been connected to suicide in some way. Maybe it was a colleague, maybe it was a neighbor or just a family friend that they have lost,” Harvey said.
Suicide is one of the nation’s leading causes of death. The Out of the Darkness Walk is a part of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention’s mission to provide resources and support for those affected by suicide. One example is through honor beads which represent personal connections to the cause based on the color of beads worn.
“All these beads represent, everything that I have dealt with in the past. Whether it’s a family member or friends or even myself, you know, struggling with that,” John Stewart said.
Stewart holds this event close to his heart. He lost his dad two years ago to suicide. That’s why he also decided to volunteer with the foundation.
“I think the support, the hope that you’re going to feel that healing from this event is going to be so critical and I just really hope that we can change our statistics in our state,” Harvey said.
For Stewart and many others, it’s more than just a walk. It’s a stand to start conversations and help others battling darkness find their light.
If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. For additional resources from the AFSP, click here.
