The purpose of the walks is to bring people together to:

• Raise awareness about suicide and mental health

• Reduce stigma so people feel safe talking about their struggles

• Provide education and resources for prevention

• Create a supportive, healing space for survivors, those with lived experience, and allies

Each walk is a powerful reminder that no one has to face these challenges alone. It turns awareness into action—funding research, education programs, advocacy, and support for those impacted.

There will be community resources for mental health, addiction and recovery, veterans, milirary and first responders and much more.  

Suicide is currently the number 2 cause of death in WV for those ages 10-34 and WV ranks 13th in the nation with suicide rates. The Out of the Darkness Walks are an important community event dedicated to bring hope and healing in our state and save lives.