Suicide Prevention Event Planned For Saturday In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — After being postponed in September for bad weather, Chatham will finally be hosting the annual Out of the Darkness Community Event this weekend.

The social event is scheduled to take place on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Reasoner Park, 19 Fairmount Avenue, in Chatham.

According to officials, this event will not include the walking portion of the typical Out Of The Darkness events, but a ceremony will still be held at 3 p.m.

Attendees will also be able to obtain honor beads, participate in memory activities, win gift basket raffles and listen to music.

"Today, suicide touches one in five American families. On average, there are 132 suicides a day and in New Jersey, it is the third leading cause of death among youth between 10 and 24," said Curt Ritter, former Chatham Township Mayor and Chair of the Morris County Out of the Darkness Walk.

The Chatham Township Out of the Darkness Walk is typically one of more than 404 Out of the Darkness Community Walks being held nationwide.

“Suicide does not discriminate, and we can all take an active role in bringing greater awareness to this important topic. One way to get involved is by participating in our 8th Annual Out of the Darkness Walk, which has raised nearly $600,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This walk has raised much-needed funds, but equally important, it has created conversations and helped to remove the stigma around mental illness," Ritter said.

According to the organization, the Out of the Darkness Walks started in 2004, in memory of those lost. The walks raise awareness about suicide, with the intention to lessen the risks and provide mental health support to those who need it.

The organization states the walks benefit by investing "in life-saving research, education, advocacy and support for those impacted by suicide."