Rochester Out of Darkness Walk

(ABC 6 News) – Saturday in Rochester, people gathered to spread awareness of suicide prevention.

This event in Rochester is one of more than 550 walks being held nationwide. About 400 people attended today at Prairie Care Medical Group where they walked and Douglas Trail. The goal was to raise $35,000. An Organizer I talked to says they’re close to raising those funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

"It’s really important for us as loss survivors to know that we’re not alone in this and the more we talk about it, the less we reduce the stigma. Not just the stigma of talking about suicide, but the stigma of seeking help if we’re struggling, struggling with our mental health, and giving people an opportunity to see they’re not alone," Cassandra Linkenmeyer, Minnesota Area Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention said.

Cassandra said also at the event people wore different color beads. All representing different types of losses people might have. People could then go up to that person and talk to them, to find community.