‘You’re not alone’: Charleston community unites for suicide prevention walk CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) — A crowd of hundreds gathered at Slack Plaza on Saturday, their blue and teal shirts forming a visible sea of solidarity as they participated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Walk. The event, held annually, brought together survivors, advocates, and community members to raise awareness about suicide prevention and support those affected by mental health struggles.
Kriston Vanhorn, a community advocate, highlighted the role of support networks, stating, “Recovery… we’re not meant to be doing that alone.”
Community Remembers and Reflects
Charleston residents gathered at Slack Plaza for the 11th annual Out of the Darkness Walk, an event organized by AFSP to honor loved ones and promote suicide prevention. Walk Chair Tara Miller, who became involved after her brother’s death by suicide in 2023, emphasized the need to check in on others. “Sometimes we have to get behind that smile and truly ask someone, ‘How are you feeling?’” Miller said. Crystal Berenson, who attended to remember a friend who “loved life but struggled,” urged those in crisis to seek help, adding, “you matter.”
West Virginia Suicide Rates Show Decline
West Virginia recorded 303 suicide deaths in 2024, a decrease from 349 in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state’s age-adjusted suicide rate also fell, from 18.6 to 16.4 deaths per 100,000 people. The event’s organizers noted that 85% of funds raised in West Virginia stay within the state to support AFSP’s research, advocacy, and education programs.
Call to Action for Mental Health Support
Participants were reminded of available resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides immediate support for those in mental health crises. The walk served as both a tribute and a reminder of the ongoing need for community-driven solutions. As Vanhorn reflected, “There are still people every single day that get up to have a purpose and to make sure that nobody ever feels alone.”
