WSU Hosts ‘Out of the Darkness’ Suicide Walk

March 9, 2016

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University senior Zack Gibson lost a close family friend to suicide. As a result, he got involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and was inspired to do something more.

“I believe it is our duty as members of a college community to continue to raise awareness for suicide prevention and support people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts,” he said.

Gibson is a member of the WSU Honors Program and Honors Student Advisory Board, which are sponsoring the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Campus Walk on March 19. The event runs from 8 a.m.-noon and includes breakfast, speakers, suicide prevention resources and a 5k walk.

AFSP is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.

“When a suicide occurs, it can really devastate families, schools and entire communities,” Gibson said. “This issue is especially prevalent in teenagers and young adults.”

Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Organizers encourage participates to register in advance at tinyurl.com/WSUAFSP. Online registration includes options to walk, volunteer or donate.

Participants may pledge to raise any amount, but those who raise $100 or more will receive a T-shirt. Donations can be made to the AFSP through the website. Event organizers hope to raise at least $5,000.

All proceeds will be used to support AFSP research, education, advocacy and survivor programs. Half of the proceeds are shared nationally and half are kept with the local AFSP chapter.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:

Melissa Smith, University Public Relations
801-626-6348 • melissasmith9@weber.edu

Contact:

Zack Gibson, event organizer
801-786-9760 • zacharygibson@mail.weber.edu

Samantha Edmunds, event organizer
801-755-5042 • samanthaedmunds@mail.weber