The Shared Offering recipient
for June is the Illinois chapter of the American Foundation for Prevention of
Suicide (AFSP), whose web site is available by selecting Local Chapters from www.afsp.org. Suicide is a serious public health problem that takes an enormous toll on
families, friends, classmates, co-workers, and communities, as well as our
military personnel and veterans.
Over 38,000 Americans took their lives in 2010, the
most recent year for which we have data. Suicide accounted for 12 deaths out of
every 100,000 people nationwide, making it the country’s 10th leading
cause of death. Unlike many other leading causes of death, suicide continues to
claim more lives each year.
Understanding and preventing suicide through
research, education, and advocacy are the goals of the AFSP. Each year the
organization helps sponsor community walks throughout the country. When you participate
in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walks,
you join efforts with thousands of people nationwide to raise money for AFSP’s
vital research and education programs to prevent suicide and save lives. The
walks raise awareness about depression and suicide, and provide comfort and
assistance to those who have lost someone to suicide.
Many members and friends of our church family have
been touched by suicide. An Out of the Darkness walk was held last year in
Champaign-Urbana and some of our members walked to raise money, while others donated.
The walk occurred shortly after the suicide of one of our members. Another Out
of the Darkness walk will occur this coming September and there are plans for the
Social Action Committee to sponsor a walk team at that time.
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