Featured photo courtesy of Jessica Schneider. Jessica is surrounded by her family and supporters during the 2019 Out of the Darkness Walk.
2021 Out of the Darkness Community Walk
Out of the Darkness: An event of hope and healing brings awareness for suicide prevention.
The South Dakota American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Chapter (SD AFSP) is hosting the 2021 Out of the Darkness Community Walk at the Odde Ice Center on Sept. 18, 2021.
“The Aberdeen Out of Darkness Walk is an opportunity for those left behind by suicide loss, those who have lived experience, and our entire community of mental health supporters to join together to share hope and offer healing. While we work to end the stigma around mental health, the walk is a visible sign in our community of how important every community member is and that they matter,” Co-Chair of the Aberdeen Walk and SD AFSP Board Member Jessica Schneider said.
Check-in begins at 9:00 AM, and the Opening Ceremony starts at 10:00 AM. Before the walk kicks off, walkers registered for the event can gather and participate in various activities including face painting and music. Walk sponsors and local mental health providers will have booths to browse through before the walk begins.
The healing portion of the event commences right before the walk. Beads of different colors will be distributed to show everyone’s personal connection to the cause. For each color, a speaker will share their personal experience with suicide. Along the walk route, a water stop and photo station will be set up on the Presentation College campus. Walkers have the option to gather at the Fair Grounds Clubhouse after the walk for the raffle drawing and refreshments donated by local businesses and community members.
The funds raised for this Out of the Darkness Walk will be invested in community mental health programming, free resources, and events that advocate for suicide prevention and awareness.
You can register for free and join the walk to fight suicide at afsp.org/AberdeenSD. // —Josie Clemens
Have you subscribed to Aberdeen Magazine? Visit our subscription page to have every issue mailed to your door. Each issue of this bi-monthly magazine includes stories that uncover Aberdeen.
Join in on the conversation by liking us on Facebook and sharing our articles.
Aberdeen Magazine is the premier magazine publication of Aberdeen, South Dakota. Local stories, local news, uniquely Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Magazine can be found at Mainstream Boutique, Ken’s, Kessler’s, Sammy’s, Red Rooster, Natural Abundance, and Dacotah Prairie Museum.
Back- Share
