Every year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosts Out of the Darkness Walks nationwide. The AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk is a two-mile fundraising event, with 80% of all proceeds going directly to awareness and prevention efforts and funding organizations that serve those impacted by suicide. 
 
 More than 1,000 people in Washington State die by suicide every year, leaving thousands of family members and friends grieving the loss of a loved one. For every one death by suicide, 60 others attempt suicide every year. The goal of the Out of the Darkness Walks is to bring awareness and education to aid in prevention efforts, decreasing the number of deaths by suicide while giving family, friends, and the community a space to acknowledge their losses and to recognize those who struggle with thoughts of suicide.
 Providence is an active sponsor of these walks in geographic areas served by the organization. Here in Snohomish County, I am proud to serve as team captain and represent Providence Swedish. As a clinical social worker for Providence Swedish, I have worked with those experiencing suicidal thoughts, those who have attempted suicide, and the families and friends who feel helpless. I have also been impacted personally by suicide, experiencing the death of a close friend in 2014.
 
 The Providence Snohomish SnoCo Caregivers team's goal is to represent this community and raise funds as a collective. I am hoping that you will join me in representing our organization. Walkers raising $150 will receive a t-shirt at the event. Additionally, the walker raising the most funds for the team will receive a self-care gift basket awarded at the event. The Out of the Darkness for Snohomish County is scheduled for September 29th at the Boys and Girls Club in Snohomish. 
 
 If you are ready to represent Providence Swedish, you can sign up. If you cannot attend the event, you can represent Providence Swedish by donating to our team using the donate button above.