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March 31, 2021

La Roche University to Host Out of the Darkness Walk

PITTSBURGH, March 31, 2021 – La Roche University will partner with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to host an Out of the Darkness Walk to prevent suicide on April 17 at 10 a.m.

“The family-friendly event aims to cultivate a sense of hope and togetherness among our campus community while also playing a role in preventing suicide and fostering wellness,” Assistant Professor of Health Sciences Emily Shimko, Ed.D., said. “The walk is part of a larger initiative to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.”

Walkers can participate on campus or join from a preferred location. Registration is free at laroche.edu/darknesswalk. No minimum donation is required.

Suggested walk routes will be available at a booth on campus. Activities include a read-along for children ages 5-11, games, snacks, music, and AFSP-sponsored tables with honor beads and temporary tattoos. Registered remote walkers will be emailed prior to the event on how to stream opening ceremonies at 10 a.m.

One of more than 550 Out of the Darkness Walks nationwide, the event supports AFSP’s goal to reduce the annual U.S. rate of suicide by 20 percent by the year 2025. Last year the walks raised over $21 million for suicide prevention.
 
La Roche recently entered a four-year partnership with JED Campus to focus on enhancing and expanding mental health services to the whole campus community. As a signature program of The JED Foundation, JED Campus offers schools customized support to help build upon existing student mental health, substance use and suicide prevention efforts.

AFSP funds research, spreads education, provides support to those affected by suicide and advocates for smart public policy.

For more information contact Emily Shimko at emily.shimko@laroche.edu.