September is Suicide Awareness Month, and throughout the month, people across the country are working to raise awareness of suicide and mental health disorders that can have severe negative impacts on people in our communities.
Here in West Michigan, the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention is hosted a community fundraising event.
The Out of the Darkness Walk in Grand Rapids took place Sunday, Sept. 18, at Millennium Park.
The goal of the walk is to raise awareness of suicide, and to raise funds for new research into mental disorders, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and to provide support for those who have lost someone to suicide.
The group wants to reduce the annual suicide rate by 20 percent by 2025.
If you want to donate to the cause, you can do so at this link.
If you are struggling and need support right now, the number for the national Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).