NEWPORT — More than 200 people are expected to participate in the annual Newport Out of the Darkness Community Walk hosted by the Vermont chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) on Saturday, September 9, at Gardner Memorial Park.
This fundraising walk supports the AFSP’s local and national education and advocacy programs, and its goal to reduce the annual rate of suicide 20 percent by 2025.
Check in begins at 8 a.m., at Gardner Memorial Park in Newport, with opening ceremonies and the walk to start at 10 a.m.
Last year, the Newport walk raised over $15,000 with nearly 175 participants.
“We walk to raise awareness about this important health issue,” said Linda Livendale, AFSP Vermont chapter board chair. “Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by walking we save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.”
The Newport Out of the Darkness Walk is one of more than 450 walks being held nationwide this year. They are expected to unite more than 250,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts.
To register for the walk or make a donation, visit www.afsp.org/newportvt, or contact the walk chair at (802) 673-6611.
