Philadelphia, PA - Suicide is among the nation's top ten leading causes of death. Last year nearly 2,000 people in Pennsylvania died by suicide, leaving loved ones and communities behind. To help draw attention to this leading, but preventable cause of death, many will walk from dusk until dawn downtown Philadelphia, beginning on June 16 through June 17.
Currently there are over 1,000 people registered, with more registering every day. These Walkers from Philadelphia, the surrounding area, and from other parts of the country have all also agreed to raise $1000 each in support of the cause, benefitting the nation's largest suicide prevention organization, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. AFSP funds research, creates educational programs, advocates for public policy, and supports those affected by suicide.
"We must do more to prevent suicide in our country. To ensure this happens, AFSP set a bold goal to reduce the national rate of suicide 20 percent by the year 2025, but we know that we can't do this alone," said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. "Because of our dedicated Overnight walkers, who walk all night to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention, we are optimistic that we will achieve our goal and save tens of thousands of lives. As we walk, there will be one goal – to stop suicide."
Many participants in the Overnight Walk have lost a loved one to suicide or have a connection to mental health and suicide prevention. This is the second time this event will be held in Philadelphia; the first time was in 2014. Each participant is assigned to a Walker Coach who supports and helps them with any questions they might have along the way.
Registration is still open for the 2018 Overnight Walk at www.TheOvernight.org.Discounts for students and military personnel are available.
