Mat-Su College 'Out of the Darkness' suicide awareness walk returns
by Green & Gold News |
Palmer, Alaska - Mat-Su College and the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP) invites everyone to participate in the 2025 Mat-Su College 'Out of the Darkness' campus walk.
- Nationwide, Alaska ranks 2nd in suicide related deaths.
- Suicide is the #1 cause of death for Alaskans between 10-24 years old.
- Among all age groups, suicide is the 7th leading cause of death in Alaska.
- Each year, around 200 Alaskans die from suicide 鈥� 30 of those are from the Mat-Su Valley.
This loss of life is entirely avoidable - but not if people avoid talking about it!
The Mat-Su College Out of the Darkness Campus Walk will be held on May 3, 2025. Check-in will begin at 11 a.m. with the actual walk starting at noon. Participants can sign up to participate or .
AFSP is the leading national not-for-profit organization dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy. AFSP outreach efforts also help people experiencing mental disorders and those impacted by suicide. The organization maintains a perfect rating with Charity Navigator.
AFSP Board member Troy Michael Smith shares, 鈥淭hese 鈥極ut of the Darkness Walks鈥� are the best possible way to get the community involved and spread awareness for suicide prevention. I joined the board of directors because I know firsthand the pain of hitting rock bottom and feeling like there鈥檚 no way out. As a suicide survivor and someone who has lost a close family friend to suicide, I understand the darkness that can consume a person. But I also know that even in the darkest moments, there is hope, and there is help. I share my story to raise awareness and to remind those struggling that they are not alone鈥攖here is always a light at the end of the tunnel, even when it feels impossible to see.鈥�
Last year鈥檚 inaugural walk brought in over 16,000 dollars for AFSP. College director Marie Gardner, Ed.D., says 鈥淭he health and well-being of our students, employees, and community is a priority for our campus. By hosting this walk, we are able to help raise awareness of the importance surrounding mental health as well as available resources. We can specifically demonstrate to our students and employees that their experiences matter and the College supports them.鈥�
Alaska Grains Baking Company will provide free grilled cheese and tomato soup to all participants at the Out of the Darkness Walk.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting 741-741.