Registration is now open for the Out of the Darkness Walk at Piedmont Park on Nov. 3 to support the Georgia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP Georgia).
“Our goals are two fold – one is financial because that’s how this organization helps fund research and support, the other is giving people a place to be around others who understand what they are going through,” said Adam Beckerman, chair of the Atlanta Out of the Darkness Walk.
Beckerman joined AFSP Georgia after coming through a difficult time with his 20-year old son who suffers from depression, anxiety, addiction and continued thoughts of suicide.
“It was almost like I was mourning my son even though he hadn’t passed,” Beckerman said. “I put in some work to get to the other side and wanted to do something positive.”
Beckerman connected with AFSP Georgia in the spring and few months later volunteered to chair its largest fundraiser.
The first Atlanta Walk in 2004 started with 248 walkers and raised $57,000. Two years later, funds from the event led to the opening of the Georgia chapter. Fast forward to 2022 when the walk boasted 5,000+ participants, more than half a million dollars raised, and ranked third among 400 AFSP Walks nationwide for funds raised – from corporate sponsors, teams and individual donors.
“Suicide prevention and overall mental health awareness aligns with KP’s mission,” said Jessica Johnson, GA KP Director of Community Relations. “We are delighted to have our behavioral health leaders organize a team and walk to support this cause.”
KP’s team joins many others.
“Last year two teams raised over $45,000 each,” said Sally Dorn, former chair of the Atlanta Out of the Darkness Walk. “Team March for Monica led by Monica’s spouse, Ellen Price and Team Michelle Ferguson Priestly led by her mother.”
Those who don’t fundraise are also welcomed to walk, especially those struggling with thoughts of suicide.
“The one thing that I’ve learned from this journey with my son, is that there are so many people struggling with their mental health, “Beckerman said. “It touches everybody and we are not alone.”
AFSP Georgia Board member and Midtown resident Rebecca Stachnik lost her high school boyfriend to suicide. Based on that trauma and her own mental health challenges, she understand the gaps AFSP Georgia can fill.
The nonprofit seeks to eliminate the loss of life from suicide by delivering free prevention programs, raising funds for suicide research and reaching out to individuals who have lost someone to suicide.
“I lived in a rural community,” Stachnik said. “We didn’t have a mental health clinic. There were no grief counselors that came to school. It was something people didn’t talk about – especially the adults in my life.”
To address that silence or inaction, AFSP Georgia offers programs like Talk Save Lives, a free community-based presentation adapted for different audiences such as, Latinx & Hispanic Communities, Seniors, LGBTQ and more.
“Talk Saves Lives gives an overview of how to recognize the warning signs and connect a friend or loved one with care or support they need,” Stachnik said.
In 2023, AFSP Georgia launched L.E.T.S. Save Lives, a presentation developed with input from an Advisory Committee of experts in Black mental health and suicide prevention. The program aims to reduce cultural stigma, foster mental health conversations and raise awareness.
”Last year. I volunteered at a back-to-school health fair at Ebenezer Baptist Church,” Stachnik said. “It seemed like everyone coming up to me was saying, ‘I just lost a cousin, my nephew or somebody.’ This resource and program is important.”
With only two full-time staff, AFSP Georgia relies heavily on volunteers, like Stachnik and Beckerman, for everything from fundraising to program delivery.
“Volunteering can help you find purpose and improve your own mental health,” said Jim Ford, AFSP Georgia Board Treasurer and Loss and Healing Committee Co-Chair who lost his Dad and two cousins to suicide. “It’s very comforting to see people who have experienced so much grief and pain, being able to have joy again.”
Ford has become a self-described suicide prevention advocate in his community and on social media.
“It’s important for everyone to understand that it’s okay not to be okay, but help is available 24/7 at AFSP (afsp.org), the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call/text the 988) and the Crisis Text Line (texting 741741),” Ford explained.
“As individuals we can support one another and we can eliminate suicide by learning about the warning signs and having difficult conversations,” Stachnik said.
