In March, approximately 250 students, employees and community members participated in Honolulu Community Collegeʻs 3rd Annual Out of Darkness Campus Walk, an event of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“This event is held each year on campuses across the country to raise awareness for suicide prevention, and show support for survivors of a suicide loss,” says Kimberly Gallant, licensed clinical social worker of Honolulu CC ’s Wellness Center. “The Wellness Center is in a unique position to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, offer hope and help to those who are struggling with mental health issues, and save lives.”

Walkers were invited to talk with Wellness Center Staff and learn about local community resources that are available to support and comfort survivors of suicide loss, those with lived experience, as well as those who may be struggling with a mental health condition. The event raised awareness about depression and suicide, and provided support and comfort to those who have lived experience and/or lost a loved one to suicide.

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. In 2017 Hawaiʻi’s state ranking was 35, and its age-adjusted suicide rate was 13.49 per 100,000 individuals, slightly higher than the nationʻs, which is 13.26. While suicide occurs in all demographic groups, it is preventable.

For more pictures of the Out of Darkness Campus Walk, see the Honolulu CC flickr album.