Suicide Awareness Walk Set For Sunday, Starting At Stevens Institute In Hoboken

HOBOKEN, NJ — The "Out of the Darkness" walks began 20 years ago, intended to lift the haze of silence around mental illness and suicide.

"These events give people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause, and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health," notes the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. "Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost."

This weekend, the local walk, headquartered at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, will head for 2.4 miles up the waterfront. Anyone is invited to participate.

You can register here and sign up to raise money as an individual or team here.

The event takes place Sunday rain or shine, and there are similar events happening on different days around the state and country.

Activities begin at 9 a.m., and the walk ceremony starts at 10 a.m. at the Babbio Center, Stevens Institute of Technology, 525 River St, Hoboken.

People who raise $150 or more individually will get Walk t-shirts: for everyone who raised $150 or more. They can pick up one shirt on the day of the walk.

Here are other details:

More Details

Honor Beads: Honor Beads will be available on-site to show your connection(s) to the cause.

Loss & Healing Tent: There will be resources available as well as ways to share hope and remembrance.

Merchandise: Custom AFSP NJ long sleeves, hats, beanies, water bottles, and bandanas will be available for purchase.

Bathrooms: Bathrooms are available.

Parking: There is free parking on Sundays in Hoboken. You can either park on the street or there is garage underneath Babbio Center (Babbio Garage) where you can also park in, for free.

For questions, contact Marissa Vargas, Special Events Manager, mvargas@afsp.org, 862.395.1650.

See more information about the walk here and about the related Stevens effort here.