Out of the Darkness Walk

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) of Greater Philadelphia hosts its annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk, raising funds and awareness for suicide prevention and pushing back on the stigma that keeps people from asking for help.

Survivors of loss, people with lived experience, families, friends, and allies come together with a shared purpose: to save lives. Registration is free.

Thousands of walkers participate in the Honor Bead Ceremony, the emotional heart of the walk. Walkers choose beads in colors that tell their story: white for a child, red for a spouse or partner, gold for a parent, orange for a sibling, purple for a relative or friend, green for their own struggle, teal for someone they love who is struggling, and blue for everyone there to support the cause. As people share the names and stories behind their beads, the crowd becomes a field of color, and grief that is usually carried alone becomes something everyone can see and share.

VIBE: Live band, food trucks, and Paws for Prevention area, where four-legged friends are welcome and encouraged.

Healing and Support Tent offers a place to sit, talk, or just breathe, and mental health resources are on hand throughout the day. The walk is made possible with support from Presenting Sponsor Rosenberg & Parker Surety.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. To prevent suicide, we need to
understand it first. Funds raised at the Out of the Darkness Greater Philadelphia Walk directly supporting AFSP’s mission of saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide through research, advocacy efforts, and educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities across PA. www.afsp.org/philadelphia