PHILIPPI, WV – Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, yet suicide can be prevented. Volunteers from Barbour County are joining the quarter of a million people who are walking in towns across the U.S. to draw attention to the fight for suicide prevention. The first Philippi WV Out of the Darkness Walk will be held on October 1, 2023.
The walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s education and support programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual U.S. rate of suicide 20 percent by 2025.
“Suicide touches one in five families. We hope that by walking we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Patty Delauder, Philippi WV Walk Chair.
On October 1, registration begins at 2 pm, followed by an opening ceremony and the walkers will step off at 3:30 pm.
The Philippi Out of the Darkness Walk is one of more than 550 community and campus Walks being held nationwide this year. The walks are expected to unite more than 300,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts.
In addition to the event, participants will enjoy community vendors, live music and entertainment, silent auction, an Honor Bead Ceremony and a visit by the Animal Friends of Barbour County.
For information about the Philippi WV Out of the Darkness Walk, contact Patty Delauder at 304.621.3382, or via email at philippi.ootdwalk@gmail.com.
