On Saturday, Oct. 10, SUNY Fredonia will co-sponsor the 6th Annual “Out of Darkness” walk to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a non-profit organization exclusively dedicated to funding research, developing prevention initiatives and offering educational programs for survivors of suicide victims, professionals, and the public.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year-olds, and the second major cause of death among college students, noted Psychology Professor Dani McKinney, who is also captain of the All Campus Team of walkers and advisor to the Psychology Club.
The three mile route starts at 1 p.m. at the campus clock tower, goes to the Fredonia village center and back to campus. Walk-up Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Clock Tower.
Registration can also be done in advance online at the national Out of the Darkness website. Click “register here” and follow the links to register for the Fredonia walk. Dr. McKinney urged students and faculty to participate as individuals or in teams. "To join our ALL CAMPUS team, choose the SUNY Fredonia Walkers under the Join A Team selection button," Dr. McKinney said. "You can also download a copy of the donor pledge form from the website (under Participant Resources)."
To make a donation to the walk, go to the national Out of the Darkness website. To give a donation to the The SUNY Fredonia Walkers, type in DANI MCKINNEY in the Participant Search lines, then click on her name, and make a donation.
"It has always been my intention that raising money is secondary to raising awareness," Dr. McKinney said. "I want every person in our community to know there are resources available to help them right here in this area, and that they are surrounded by people who care."
