Hundreds walk in Jacksonville Beach to raise awareness for #mentalhealth during Out of the Darkness Jacksonville Walk

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Volunteers from Jacksonville came together Sunday for the annual “Out of the Darkness Walk” for #suicide and #mentalhealthawareness.

The #AmericanFoundationforSuicideandPrevention’s North Florida Chapter organized the walk in Jacksonville Beach.

The money raised will help provide resources for those battling #mentalhealthissues.

Pamela Howard is walking on behalf of her son and others who couldn’t make it into the light.

“We are supporting people and letting them know that life still matters and we’re here for them so. We’re here to celebrate life, those who didn’t make it and for those who are still fighting the fight,” said #mentalhealthadvocate Pamela Howard.

#Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the #UnitedStates, according to research by the #AmericanFoundationforSuicideandPrevention. On average, the AFSP says there are 130 suicides a day.

“Everybody in some way shape or form has been impacted by #mentalhealthissues or has a loved one that has lost somebody by #suicide,” said walk chair Stefanie Shaughnessy.

#AmericanFoundationforSuicideandPrevention’s North Florida Chapter hopes to raise $100,000 dollars.

Its goal is to put an end to #suicide and help everyone make it into the light and stay there.

If you would like to donate to the #AmericanFoundationforSuicideandPrevention, click here.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
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