Miami-Dade community walks Saturday to fund suicide prevention
Organizers will gather at Tropical Park to support research and education following recent CDC data on youth mortality.
By Emmanuel Faure ·
Residents of Miami-Dade County can join a community walk Saturday morning to raise funds for suicide prevention initiatives. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is hosting the Out of the Darkness Walk at 9 a.m. at Tropical Park.
The event aims to generate resources for research, advocacy, and school-based educational programs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14. It also ranks as the second-leading cause of death for young adults between the ages of 15 and 24.
Olivia Shears serves as the chair for this year's event. She first participated in the walk five years ago after a friend died by suicide. Shears stated that connecting with others who shared her grief helped her heal.
"It was a reminder that community exists and it's important, and I really need to lean into it," Shears said.
She added that being part of the group moved her healing in incredible directions compared to where she was five years ago. The Saturday program includes speakers, therapy dogs, and activities designed to honor those lost to suicide.
Participants will walk together during the event. Registration is still open for those who want to take part. Individuals in a mental health crisis can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. They can also text TALK to 741741 to contact the Crisis Text Line.
