'Out of the Darkness Walk' Saturday

Several Severna Park residents are involved in planning Saturday's 'Out of the Darkness' Suicide Prevention Walk to help raise awareness of suicide prevention efforts in the county and nation.

Gwen Harring is the walk coordinator, along with Steve Anstett, Jane Schlegel, and Janie Jacobs as members of the walk planning committee.

According to a news release, teams of students from Glen Burnie, North County, and South River high schools along with dozens of others from around the county will participate in the three-mile walk beginning at St. Paul Lutheran Church, at 31 Rowe Blvd in Annapolis.

This year’s walk, the third in Annapolis, coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, recognized internationally and supported by the World Health Organization, to promote worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicide.

The annual walk has raised nearly $50,000 over two years, to be used locally and nationally to break the silence surrounding mental health issues, raise awareness, and prevent future tragedies.

Local efforts include providing funding for additional trainers and materials for Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), a suicide prevention program used in Anne Arundel County schools, agencies, communities, and churches to help people recognize the signs of suicide and help those in crisis find help.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools mental health professionals will be on hand to answer questions and provide support.

Information and resources regarding suicide prevention, bereavement, signs of depression and how to get help will be available as well as a remembrance wall for survivors to pay tribute to those lost to suicide.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. with opening ceremonies scheduled for 9 a.m. The walk, from the church to City Dock and back, begins at 9:30 a.m.

Naval Academy Midshipmen will serve as volunteers to help guide people through the walk route. There will be a water station and a live band at the City Dock during the walk to mark the halfway point.