More Than 2000 People in Greater Boston to Walk in June From Dusk Until Dawn To Fight Suicide

News provided by

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

May 20, 2015, 04:00 ET

BOSTON, May 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is proud to announce that more than 2000 people are now registered for the Out of the Darkness Overnight walk in Greater Boston. The Overnight will be held from June 27 to June 28, 2015, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Boston City Hall Plaza. Suicide is a serious issue for Massachusetts, as it is the 12^th leading cause of death in the state – this means that on average, one person dies by suicide every 15 hours in the state.

"Every year suicide claims more lives than war, murder, and natural disasters combined, and yet suicide prevention doesn't get anywhere near the funding given to other leading causes of death. It's through the work of organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that funds are raised for this important issue," said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. "We look forward to walking with thousands of people in Boston. Together, we can put a stop to this tragic loss of life."

The Overnight is the largest annual fundraising event held by AFSP, and includes participants from across the country who walk more than 16 miles from sunset until sunrise to raise money and awareness for suicide prevention. Money raised from the walks support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and funds research, educational programs, public policy initiatives, and support for those affected by suicide.

Each walker raises a minimum of $1000 to participate in The Overnight. Since its inception in 2002, more than 26,000 people have participated in an Overnight walk, 4,500 people have volunteered, and over $30,000,000 has been raised to support the cause. In April 2015, a similar event was held in Dallas where 1,437 people walked and $1,457,254 was raised.

Suicide in Massachusetts
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15-34 in Massachusetts. Suicide cost Massachusetts a total of $728,322,000 of combined lifetime medical and work loss cost in 2010, or an average of $1,217,930 per suicide death. About three times as many people die by suicide in Massachusetts annually than by homicide; the total deaths to suicide reflect a total of 12,218 years of potential life lost before age 65.

To register for The Overnight, please visit theovernight.org.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention leads the fight against suicide. We fund research, offer educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has 75 local chapters with programs and events nationwide. Review our Annual Report to learn more about AFSP's life-saving work, and join the national conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.