Allentown, September 25, 2017 – The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter will hold its annual Out of the Darkness Walk on Sunday, October 8, 2017 in Lehigh Parkway in Allentown.
This will be the 12th walk sponsored by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter of AFSP. Survivors of suicide loss, plus their friends and family members, will gather to raise funds for AFSP’s important research and prevention programs. Participants also increase awareness about depression and suicide. Last year, 970 walkers participated in the Lehigh Parkway event and raised $68,000.
Registration will begin at 10 a.m. There will be a short ceremony at noon, to be followed by the 3.1-mile walk. “Honor beads” will be available for participants to wear. The beads come in various colors to show each participant’s connection to the cause, including: white, lost a child; red, lost a spouse or partner; gold, lost a parent; and orange, lost a sibling. Music and free refreshments also will be available, and there will be activities for all ages.
The Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter has held an Out of the Darkness Walk on an annual basis since 2006. AFSP is a leader in the fight against suicide and has set a goal to reduce the annual suicide rate 20 percent by 2025.
According to AFSP, the Out of the Darkness Walks “produce millions for suicide prevention, unite those who have been affected by suicide, and create communities that are smart about mental health.”
For more information, and to register and make donations to the Greater Lehigh Valley walk, go to www.outofthedarkness.org/LVWalk
Directions to Lehigh Parkway, Allentown, are as follows:
From I-78 and points south, take the Lehigh Street Exit and head north to 15th Street. To reach the Parkway, turn left from 15th Street (becomes S. Jefferson St.) onto Park Drive (between Lehigh Parkway South and Lehigh Parkway East.) Follow the road to the parking area.
From Route 22 and all points north, take 15th Street South and proceed over the 15th Street Bridge. (15th Street becomes S. Jefferson Street.) Take your second right onto Park Drive. Follow Park Drive to the parking area.
Information & Image Provided By:
Cari Cieszynski
Out of the Darkness Walk
