Movement of a quarter of a million people joined by local participants in Bonham
Bonham, Texas -- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, yet suicide can be prevented. Volunteers from Bonham joined the quarter of a million people who are walking in towns across the United States to draw attention to the fight for suicide prevention. The annual Bonham Out of the Darkness Walk, hosted by the Glaser Family Charitable Foundation was held at Legacy Ridge Country Club on Oct. 2. This walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s education and support programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual U.S. rate of suicide 20 percent by the year 2025.
“Suicide touches one in five American families, and sadly, Fannin County has the 4th highest suicide rate in Texas. We hope that by walking we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our ultimate goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Cindy Bankston, Director of the Bonham Walk.
The Bonham Out of the Darkness Walk is one of more than 550 Out of the Darkness Overnight, Community and Campus Walks being held nationwide this year. The walks are expected to unite more than 300,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts. Last year, these walks raised over $21 million for suicide prevention. This year this walk raised over $14,000 and had 215 participants.
Speakers at the Bonham Out of the Darkness Walk included Loren Hervey of the Texoma Community Center, Kristi Chambliss of Sam Rayburn ISD, and Darrel Hathcock of the Fannin Baptist Association.
“These walks are about turning hope into action,” said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. “The research has shown us how to fight suicide, and if we keep up the fight, the science is only going to get better and our culture will get smarter about mental health. With the efforts of our courageous volunteers, and a real investment from our nation’s leaders, we hope to significantly reduce the suicide rate in the United States.”
Local sponsors for the Bonham Out of the Darkness Walk included: Utter-Pike Private Wealth Management, Texoma Health Foundation, Legacy Ridge Country Club, HOT 107.3FM, 92.7 KISS FM, Clayton Homes, McCraw Oil and Propane, Glaser Family Charitable Foundation, and Legend Bank.
