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Fairfax Out of The Darkness Walk - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The annual Fairfax Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) National Capital Area Chapter (NCAC) and presented by Leidos, will be held on October 4, 2025 at the Mosaic District from 11 AM – 2:30 PM.
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death in Virginia for ages 10 – 34, yet suicide can be prevented. Volunteers, participants, and supporters from throughout Fairfax County are joining the thousands of people who are gathering this season in towns across the United States to promote suicide prevention.
This gathering will support the AFSP’s education, research and support for survivors of suicide loss. In addition to raising awareness and funds to fight suicide, the walks give those who attend a chance to connect with others and know they are not alone, whether they walk in memory or in support of a loved one or in honor of their own mental health journey.
“Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by connecting with one another, we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Ellen Shannon, AFSP-NCAC Executive Director.
The Fairfax Out of the Darkness Community Walk is one of the hundreds of events being held nationwide this year.
“This year we want people to join us in walking to create a world without suicide,” said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. “By walking you are helping AFSP make progress in prevention through research, advocacy, education and support to those affected by suicide. I’m in awe of our courageous volunteers who are lifting their voices to inform local and national leaders of the support needed to reduce suicide and save lives.”
The Walk is also a space of healing and a place to have honest conversations about mental health. The more we openly and directly talk about suicide, the more we can help to prevent it. AFSP’s PSA campaign Talk Away the Dark shows the impact of simple, direct dialogue about suicide and how to initiate those conversations to save lives. Explore the campaign and what more you can do to make a difference by joining a local AFSP chapter, learning more about suicide, and advocating for legislation supporting prevention.
Local sponsors for the Fairfax Out of the Darkness Walk include Leidos, Interstate Moving | Relocation | Logistics, Intact, and the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN), among others. Register, donate, sponsor, and/or volunteer at afsp.org/Fairfax.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have had a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide.
Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following the AFSP National Capital Area Chapter @NCAC on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3259387-0
