The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host an Out of the Darkness Walk on Sunday, April 14, on the Central College campus. The return of this event to Central has been led by Kallie Wallick, Class of 2025, from Tipton, Iowa.
“I wanted to bring this event back to campus because I believe it is important for my peers and community to learn about the reality and effects of suicide,” Wallick says. “As someone who has struggled with my mental health for years and has attempted suicide, I am passionate about raising awareness of this important issue that affects every single one of us. I hope to show others that they are not alone and that there are resources available whenever they may need them. Each individual who walks with us is supporting the mission to end the stigma around mental health and suicide.”
The Out of the Darkness Campus Walks are the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s signature student fundraising events, designed to engage youth, young adults and their local communities in the fight to prevent suicide, a leading cause of death for young people.
Registration and a resource fair will begin at 1 p.m. in the Maytag Student Center. Displays, vendors and speakers will present information before the two-mile walk, which starts at 2 p.m. on campus. As a fundraising event, all individuals who raise $100 or more will receive a free Out of the Darkness Walk t-shirt.
“The statistics are devastating,” says Kristi Leonard, assistant dean of students — wellness and a 1997 Central graduate. “In 2021, the last year that statistics are available, an estimated 1.7 million people attempted death by suicide. That is heartbreaking. Our hope with this walk is to bring awareness to the campus and Pella communities. We hope we never have to work with someone in crisis, but the reality is that we likely will. It’s best we be knowledgeable and aware so we can be a support.”
All are welcome to participate in this walk. Register or donate at afsp.org/central.
