WOODSFIELD, Ohio – A new community event is coming to Monroe County this month to support suicide prevention and honor loved ones lost.
The Monroe County Out of the Darkness Walk will be held Sunday, Sept. 28, at Shadow Lake in Woodsfield. Registration begins at 11 a.m., with the walk starting at 1 p.m. The event supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the nation’s largest private funder of suicide prevention research. AFSP uses those resources to provide evidence-based programs across the country, impacting millions of people.
The walk is being organized by a local resident, Christi Block, who lost her son, Thomas, to suicide in 2020. Since then, she has become an advocate with AFSP, traveling to Washington, D.C., to speak with members of Congress about mental health legislation and participating in walks in Columbus. After moving to Monroe County two years ago, she decided to bring the event here.
“This is hopefully the first annual walk,” she said. “I chose the last weekend in September because it’s Suicide Awareness Month, and it’s also close to Thomas’ birthday on September 30. My hope is this walk will honor him and help others.”
The event is free to register, and participants can sign up individually or create a team at afspwalks.donordrive.com/MonroeOH. Organizers are also seeking vendors, food trucks, sponsors, and community partners to support the walk.
See the flyer below for more information on how to participate.
Block says she hopes the event not only raises funds but also spreads awareness and fosters connection for those affected by suicide.
