Leavitt suicide awareness walk is April 28

TURNER — More than 100 people are expected to participate in Leavitt Area High School’s second annual “Out of the Darkness Campus Walk” — hosted by the Track Team and Wellness 2 classes — Saturday, April 28, beginning at 9 a.m. at the school, 21 Matthews Way.

The walk will consist of three one-mile loops around the campus. The fundraising walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention local and national education and advocacy programs and its goal to reduce the annual suicide rate 20 percent by 2025.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death in Maine for people ages 15-34, yet suicide is preventable, according to the AFSP.
Leavitt Area High School’s “Out of the Darkness Campus Walk” is one of more than 150 walks being held nationwide this year. The walks are expected to unite more than 25 thousand walkers and raise more than a million dollars for suicide prevention efforts. Last year, Leavitt walkers raised over $5,000. More importantly, they raised awareness.
People affected by mental illness and suicide learned they are not alone. Resources to recognize warning signs and ways to help were dispersed and representatives from the American Foundation for the Prevention of Suicide were on-site to answer questions. The community came together for a cause.
The public is invited to walk. Register for the event at afsp.org/LeavittHS.