Mat-Su College hosting first Out of the Darkness Campus Walk

WASILLA — The community is invited to participate in the first Out of Darkness Campus Walk suicide awareness event May 4.

According to Mat-Su College Public Relations and Communications Specialist Nick McDermott, the walk route spans a mile and a half loop along sidewalks and parking lots across the campus.

“There are some elevation changes but overall it is a pretty easy course. There will be signage and volunteers along the way to make sure everyone stays on course,” McDermott said.

The event will also feature a DJ, opening statements from AFSP and MSC, a ceremony to honor families and survivors, a live broadcast from Big Cabbage Radio broadcasting, and free fresh grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup provided by Franz Bakery that will be available for participants.

MSC is partnering with a local chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to host this event on the school campus. Participants will walk around the grounds to raise funds that will go towards the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s efforts advocating for research and education around suicide.

McDermott said this partnership is of vital importance since suicide is an issue that impacts students and the greater community both directly and indirectly.

“So many people have had to fight through difficult thoughts or have lost someone to suicide. The more we talk about it, the more comfortable people will feel reaching out for help. We want to make sure our students and neighbors know they are not alone,” McDermott said.

McDermott noted that Mat-Su College students are eligible for up to three free counseling sessions through Mat-Su Health Services, and they can call the scheduling office and 24-hour crisis line at 907-376-2411.

Onsite registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the Walk starts at 9 a.m. This event is open to the public.

*Important note: if you or someone you know is suffering or at risk for self harm, visit 988lifeline.org or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website at afsp.org/get-help.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com