“Rain or shine, we’re going to shine the light”

National Suicide Prevention week ends with rain-soaked wal

By Ashley Wioskowski
News Editor

(Photo courtesy of Project Light.) National Suicide Prevention supporters Adam Taylor, left, and Marc Shawn, right, were not detered by Saturday’s heavy rainfall.

As National Suicide Prevention week came to a close, supporters walked to raise awareness and celebrate the memory of lost loved ones at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Sept. 13 at Prairie View Park in Vicksburg.
Adam Taylor, a junior at Western Michigan University, director of Project Light and captain of the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender team, said 50 percent of proceeds stay in the community for non-profit organizations to apply for and the other 50 percent goes to national research.

Part of the profits also support local survivor therapy groups.

“This is how we provide to research for suicide prevention,” Taylor said.

So far, the local group has earned $1075.25 and Taylor said more donations are expected to come in from online forms.

He predicts the donations could raise the total to $1,300 – exceeding the projected goal of $1,000.

“We over achieved our goal, which is amazing,” Taylor said.

Taylor expressed that the main hope behind the walk is to reduce the stigma with depression and mental health, hoping that people could openly discuss their affiliations with suicide and find support.

Taylor said the goal of the walk was not directed at any groups specifically, but in the general interests of all those who have committed or attempted suicide.

The five-kilometer walk began at 11:00 a.m. and lasted until 2 p.m.; the rain detoured the event, dropping the 200 expected participants to about 75. “Rain or shine, we’re going to shine the light,” Taylor said.

Over 32,000 Americans commit suicide every year, making it the 11th highest cause of death in the United States. Nationally there are 110 walks sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention every year and donations are still being accepted for the event until December. For anyone who still wants to donate, please visit www.outofthedarkness.org.

For information on Project Light, visit their Web site at: www.projectlife.info.