LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The annual Little Rock Out of the Darkness walk for suicide prevention was held this weekend at MacArthur Park in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The Little Rock Out of the Darkness Walk is the largest suicide prevention rally in the state, reminding everyone that they are not alone

“The idea behind our event today is to bring the topic of suicide out of the dark,” said Jacqueline Sharp, Arkansas Area Director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The Little Rock walk is one of thousands of out-of-the-dark walks taking place across the country, each raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention, research and education.

“The first thing we tell people when we educate people in the community is that a key to preventing suicide is talking about it. We need to get past the stigma of suicide and be willing to have that uncomfortable conversation and make sure people know that. I care about you and I notice changes in you and I want to make sure you’re okay, and that’s just the first step to suicide prevention,” Sharp said.

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in Arkansas, with more than 600 people taking their lives in 2022 alone.

To honor those who lost their lives by suicide, loved ones and supporters packed MacArthur Park to remember, reflect and prevent future events.

“Today can be hard, it can be beautiful. There’s a connection that happens, there’s support that people get. So it’s nice to see them come forward and want to speak up for suicide prevention,” Sharp said.

“Well, let’s hope that raising awareness can save more lives. I hope we can. It is a preventable death. So, you know, hopefully we can get the word out and let people know that they’re not alone and that there are resources and people that they can reach out to. that’s why it always, always counts and, yes, you count,” said Brittany Smith.

“Sometimes it might seem like you’re not promising, promising, promising, when you’re stretching, it’s different,” Smith said.

The walk also provided resources and support for those who have lost loved ones and those who are currently struggling.

“For a long time, I didn’t get to this kind of thing and I kept it all to myself, but my friend encouraged me to come and it feels really good to be around people who know what you’ve been through. and she can relate to you and just encourage you on your hard days,” said attendee Fran Maxwell. “We’ve determined that if we know there’s a lie in our head, we don’t listen to it. Listen to the people who value you, who you know value you and will be there for you,” said another participant.

The Little Rock Out of the Darkness Walk ended with a call to action and a challenge to contact three people you can set up “Do you have three minutes?” agree with, swearing to answer your call in a moment of crisis.

If you missed this weekend’s event, the Hot Springs Out of the Darkness Walk will be held on Saturday, November 9 at National Park College.