Thursday, September 22, 2016

Denver Metro Out of the Darkness Walk to Raise Awareness and Prevent Suicide

Suicide is the 7th leading cause of death overall in Colorado, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) intends to help change that. The AFSP Colorado Chapter will hold its Denver Metro Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Saturday, September 24, 2016 to raise funds to help create a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, research and advocacy, and support for those affected by suicide.

Suicide is not a new concern for Colorado and has been the focus of recent government talks and initiatives. In June Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a new bill aimed at suicide prevention, which will fall within the Office of Suicide Prevention in the Department of Public Health and Environment.

Each year over 42,000 Americans die by suicide. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has made the bold goal to reduce the suicide rate nationally 20 percent by the year 2025. The upcoming Denver Metro walk will help put us closer to that goal.
 

“Together we are making an impact in educating and empowering our society to help save lives,” said Sheri Cole, Rocky Mountain Area Director of AFSP. “The event brings the community together in such a powerful way, and fundraising efforts come back to benefit our local communities.

Last year, this event brought nearly three thousand participants to Coors Field and raised over $200,000 dollars.

Suicide Statistics in Colorado

· Suicide is the 7th leading cause of death overall in Colorado

· On average, one person dies by suicide every 8 hours in the state.

· Six times as many people die by suicide in Colorado annually than from homicide; the total deaths to suicide reflect a total of 22,280 years of potential life lost (YPLL) before age 65.

· Suicide cost Colorado a total of $1,053,409,000 of combined lifetime medical and work loss cost in 2010, or an average of $1,217,814 per suicide death.