Out of the Darkness Virtual UMBC Walk for Suicide Prevention

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 14:56:45 -0400
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For the past few years, UMBC has worked with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in hosting our annual Out of the Darkness: Suicide Prevention Campus Walk. Each year, students, parents, staff, and community members come together to raise awareness about mental health and to find ways to support persons on their journeys out of darkness. In our current times, the mental health needs of our students are growing, making events like this are of great importance. In light of physical distancing, this year's annual Out of the Darkness Walk, to be held on Saturday, April 25, will be virtual.

Instructions: Please take a picture of yourself in an AFSP shirt (if you have one) or a UMBC shirt either walking or holding up a positive message and share it on your (or your department's) social media page. Ideally, take the picture outside (in a safe manner). Please include the following or a similar message:

"Today #HopeWalksHere at @UMBC to support @afspmaryland's mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide! Let's create a culture, that is smart about mental health: www.afsp.org/umbc !"

We encourage departments to make walking teams and register them on our campus website: www.afsp.org/umbc . Please urge students to make teams as well!

Teams are asked to set a giving goal to raise money for AFSP and the many programs (including those at UMBC) that they support. Your giving goal is your choice. We will be raising funds through June 30, 2020.

Please join our department, in partnership with University Health Services, as we walk, tap & roll out of the darkness in body, mind and spirit!

Aerial Photo of five people and their shadows walking on a path and observing social distance by inbal marilli on Unsplash

Looking for supplemental or other UMBC health resources?

Click on UMBC's COVID site for pandemic-specific resources here (link)

University Health Services (link)

UMBC Counseling Center (Link)

Recovery & Sober Living/Haven (link)

Wellness Initiative (link)

Employee Assistance Program (lnk)

If your health situation changes and you are seeking accommodation, apply for, or update academic accommodation requests via Student Disability Services (link) and work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services (link).