Community Walk in Santa Monica for Suicide Prevention

Published on October 16, 2024

On Saturday, October 19, the LA community will walk in Santa Monica for suicide prevention. Participants will  join the quarter-million people in the United States walking for the annual Out of the Darkness community event.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) holds its Out of the Darkness Community Walk every year. In Santa Monica, the walk starts at the world famous Santa Monica Pier. Check-in and registration, activities, and a Community Partners Resource Fair begin at 9 a.m. The opening ceremony is at 10 a.m. with a 2.4 mile walk immediately following.

This community awareness and fundraising walk supports the AFSP’s public education and support programs, as well as life-saving research and advocacy work.

“Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by walking and connecting with one another, we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our ultimate goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Louisa Rocque, Executive Director, Greater Los Angeles & Central Coast.

WHAT:
AFSP Out of the Darkness Community Walk Santa Monica

WHEN:
Saturday, October 19

Check-in/registration begins  9 a.m.

 2.4 mile walk begins 10 a.m.

WHERE:
Santa Monica Pier

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How to Register for the Community Walk for Suicide Prevention

You can register for the Greater Los Angeles Santa Monica Walk HERE.

About the Out of the Darkness Community Walk

AFSP’s Santa Monica Out of the Darkness Community Walk is one of nearly 400 walks being held this year. The events are expected to unite more than 300,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts. Last year, these walks raised over $21 million for suicide prevention. In 2023, the Santa Monica walk raised over $168,000 and had over 1,100 participants.

Speakers and Entertainment at the Walk

Guest speakers at the event include Niyc Pidgeon and Tammie Frank. There will also be musical performances from Scott Kirkland (The Crystal Method), JRae, and Jensen Gering.

Returning for a third year at the program’s emcee will be Audacy’s Ally Johnson, co-host of the Klein/Ally morning show on KROQ 106.7 FM.

“This year we want people to join us in walking to create a world without suicide” said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia . “By walking you are helping AFSP make progress in prevention through research, advocacy, education and support to those affected. I’m in awe of our courageous volunteers. They are lifting their voices to inform local and national leaders of the support needed to reduce suicide and save lives.”

Event Sponsors of the Walk in Santa Monica for Suicide Prevention

The Santa Monica Out of the Darkness Walk sponsors include: Crowe, Providence, Ocean View Adult Psychiatric Hospital, Colourpop, Shake Shack, Find Your Anchor, DMH/LASPN.

How to Donate

Walk donations are accepted until December 31, 2024. You can donate here. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention i s dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss .

Image courtesy of @uscbettyboop