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!