Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk

Blue Devil Strong Adviser Peggy Needham and Walla Walla High School students hosted a community Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk May 10 in conjunction with Walla Walla Department of Community Health, W2 for Drug Free Youth and Reach Out Walla Walla. There was a great turnout.

The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance and a walk that unites a community – a time to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental illness have affected our lives and our loved ones, according to Needham. Participants wore honor beads. Each color shows their personal connection to the cause, and helps to identify others who understand the experience.

Walla Walla High School students Macy Quinn-Sears and Erin Gerola were the lead students for this event. Needham is a Behavior Health Prevention Specialist with the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health.