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Camber Children's Mental Health

KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital Participates in Out Of The Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention

Out of the Darkness Walk

On October 3, 2015, the KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital team participated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Out Of the Darkness Community Walk at Berkley Riverfront Park in Kansas City, MO. The walk raised awareness and funds which will allow AFSP to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy and support survivors of suicide loss. With 77 local chapters and events hosted nationwide, AFSP’s goal is to reduce the annual suicide rate 20% by 2025.

KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital formed a company team to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention.”We decided to get involved with the Out of the Darkness Community Walk to show support for our clients, their families, and our community, and to let them know that we stand with them as they battle suicide,” said Astra Garner, Director of Clinical Services and Community Outreach. “As the suicide rate has been on the rise, promoting awareness for suicide prevention is an important task for the mental health community. By continuing to work toward these prevention goals, we also aim to battle mental health stigma as well.”

The team, which was made of 24 people, joined together with the other 958 registered individuals to walk. Together, all participants raised a total of $47,801.52 for the AFSP.

“It was an honor to have our employees be a part of and support such an important event.  With suicide claiming over 40,000 lives in 2013, it is clear suicide prevention must be a team effort,” said Ryan Speier, President of KVC Hospitals.  “I want to extend a ‘Thank You’ to all those who walked, donated, and virtually walked with us as part of Team KVC Prairie Ridge,” added Speier.

The AFSP’s Out of Darkness Community walk takes place every year on the first Saturday of October. Mark your calendar to join us at the walk on Saturday, October 1, 2016!

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