PRESS RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Thompson, Executive Director, wthompson@afsp.org
Community Called to Walk and Fight Suicide During October in Pensacola, FL
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and the 8th leading cause of death
in Florida, yet suicide can be prevented. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Florida Panhandle Chapter is calling on their community to join the cause and thousands
of people who are gathering to walk this season in towns across the United States to
promote suicide prevention. The annual Pensacola Out of the Darkness Community Walk,
hosted by the Florida Panhandle Chapter will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026 at
noon at Maritime Park Amphitheater.
This gathering will support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s education,
research and support for survivors of suicide loss. In addition to raising awareness and
funds to fight suicide, the walks give those who attend a chance to connect with others
and know they are not alone, whether they walk in memory or in support of a loved one
or in honor of their own mental health journey.
The Out of the Darkness Walks help raise much needed funds for suicide prevention.
These critical funds go directly to AFSP’s lifesaving research, education, advocacy and
survivor support programming right here in our community.
“Suicide touches one in five families in the United States. We hope that by connecting
with one another, we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from
experiencing a suicide loss. Our goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected
by suicide,” said Wendy Thompson, Executive Director of the Florida Panhandle
Chapter.
Over the last several decades, AFSP has created a national sense of community
through 73 local chapters across the country, including Washington, D.C., and Puerto
Rico. AFSP’s local chapters bring together individuals who deeply connect with each
other through their personal connections to the cause of suicide prevention,
volunteering to bring prevention education programs, loss support, advocacy efforts,
Out of the Darkness Walks and more to their local area.
Many individuals who become a part of AFSP’s national community network have either
lost someone close to them to suicide; support someone at risk; or have their own lived
experience involving mental health. Others join with AFSP’s community in support of
someone directly affected, or because they recognize suicide is a major leading cause
of death that can often be prevented and want to help in AFSP’s efforts to save lives.
Local sponsors for the Pensacola Out of the Darkness Walk include Gulf Coast
NeuroSpa, Baptist Health Care, Naturemade3, Hancock Whitney Bank and iHeart
Radio. To donate or join this event, visit www.afsp.org/pensacola
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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is dedicated to saving lives
and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a
loss. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education
and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy,
and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and
headquartered in New York, with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has
local chapters in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with programs and
events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the
conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, X/Twitter,
Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Jed Foundation (JED) intend
to merge as equals to form AFSP/JED, the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to
preventing suicide across the lifespan and bringing hope to those affected by suicide
loss or risk. The AFSP/JED mission would reflect a commitment to bring together
AFSP’s research, advocacy, chapter network, and loss-support expertise with JED’s
comprehensive approach to suicide prevention and evidence-informed youth mental
health programs, creating greater scale, reach, and impact at a time of urgent national
need. Read more about our recent announcement at www.afsp.org.