RivCo's 'Walk For Suicide Prevention' To March Through Palm Desert

PALM DESERT, CA — Riverside County residents are invited to take part in the annual Out of Darkness Community Walk in Palm Desert on Saturday, Oct. 25.

The walk will begin at 10 a.m. at 43900 San Pablo Ave., bringing together residents, families and community partners to remember loved ones lost to suicide and raise awareness about mental health.

Participants may walk individually or form teams for the walk, which was organized by Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health, in partnership with the Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

To register, visit this link.

“Preventing suicide remains a top priority for Riverside County. We are committed to ensuring all residents feel supported and connected to vital resources,” said Fourth District Supervisor and Board Chairman V. Manuel Perez. “These walks are a meaningful way to demonstrate unity, strengthen our communities and remember those we've lost.”

Since 2019, suicide rates in Riverside County have decreased by 16 percent, according to RUHS–Public Health Epidemiology & Program Evaluation. Officials attribute the progress to ongoing education and prevention efforts, including RUHS programs that have reached more than 10,000 residents with suicide prevention and mental health awareness initiatives.

More than 1,500 people have also received specialized training from RUHS–BH since July 2024 through programs such as safeTALK, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and Mental Health First Aid.

“At RUHS, we approach suicide prevention through compassionate outreach and consistent education,” said Dr. Matthew Chang, RUHS Behavioral Health Director. “By walking together, we strengthen the message that no one is alone and that support is always available.”

Formed by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors in 2020, the Suicide Prevention Coalition brings together county agencies and community-based organizations to coordinate prevention strategies and public education. The coalition also hosts a countywide suicide prevention conference each October.

Registered participants will receive a complimentary SPC T-shirt while supplies last. Those unable to attend can still contribute by donating or fundraising through the event’s team page. All proceeds benefit AFSP’s mission to reduce the national suicide rate by 20%, and donations are tax-deductible.