Out of the darkness suicide prevention walk

Suicide is an ongoing problem

Foundation for suicide prevention reaches out to those who have struggled with thoughts of suicide and those who have lost loved ones to the scourge.

This weekend the foundation is holding a modified version of its annual out of the darkness event in rochester.

Kimt news three's anthony monzon joins us now from the site of the event.

Anthony?

George... this year's event is being called the out of the darkness experience... with coronavirus causing organizers to move away from their traditional walk.

But the pandemic isn't stopping this community from supporting each other in the battle for suicide prevention.

"a couple of years ago my best friend died by suicide, and during that time it was very hard for me.

I wanted to be an advocate for those, and give hope to those who have felt their loved one's loss."

Community members... coming together today... standing united in the battle against suicide.

It's a mission that's particularly important now... during a time when many are under duress and feeling isolated from loved ones.

"so this year with the pandemic, there's been a lot more attention focused on our mental health, and suicide prevention falls into mental health.

We know that in order to prevent suicide, we need to create a culture where we are being smart about our mental health."

Covid?

"*19... even changing the course of this year's out of the darkness walk... now taking the form of a pop?

"* up event... luminary lighting... and encouraged team walk tomorrow morning.

"we're encouraging people to walk with their team, wear their shirt, wear their beads, take signs, show who they're walking for, share those pictures so that we can have sort of a little virtual community as well."

The ultimate goal... to break the stigma... and get people the help they need.

"let's talk about it.

Let's talk about how and those luminaries you saw there... they show this is not an abstract issue.

The names on them read mom... dad... grandpa.

George... suicide and mental health struggles affect so many of us... and the out of the dark experience is hoping to raise awareness and prevent more loss in our community.

Live in rochester... anthony monzon... kimt news thank you anthony.

Organizers say if you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide.... you can