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.

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