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The annual Out of the Darkness Iowa State University Walk, hosted by Iowa State University Student Counseling Services (SCS) will be held: Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10 A.M., on the South Campanile Lawn at Iowa State University. This walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) education and support programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual U.S. rate of suicide 20 percent by the year 2025.

AFSP organization data indicates suicide touches one in five American families. By walking, the Iowa State community will draw attention to this issue and keep other Iowans from experiencing a suicide loss. The goal is to save lives and bring hope to
those impacted by suicide.

The event is open to the public and there is no registration fee. Your presence at the event provides hope while shining a light into darkness. The walk will include a kick-off with personal sharing. Appreciation and encouragement will be shared from multiple individuals, including Sarah Chingren, who founded The Redshirt Foundation following the loss of her son Vincent to suicide.

Ways to assist include:

1. Create a Walk Team  and scroll down to ‘become a team captain.
2. Encourage others to sign up individually to walk
3. Volunteer – Here is the link to sign up: https://go.iastate.edu/RDW70Z.  Be sure to have everyone who signs up to volunteer register for the walk.
4. Spread the word about the walk! Invite alumni, families,  and friends. Challenge another student organization in a friendly competition to have the most walkers attend that day.

Crisis Resources: 

SCS Crisis Services: SCS crisis services are available by walking into SCS during business hours. We are located on the 3rd floor of the Student Services Building 

24/7 Crisis Support

• Call or Text 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• Crisis Text Line: Text ‘HELLO’ to 741741 
• Call 911 for medical or substance related concerns or go to your local Emergency Room