Capital Region AFSP prepares for 20th suicide prevention walk

If you are in crisis, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting 741-741.

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day. Organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are trying to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding the topic. The Capital Region chapter of AFSP is also preparing for a milestone event.

Dan Egan, Chair of the Capital Region Chapter of AFSP, knows firsthand the importance of finding community when faced with grief.

"I lost my dad to suicide almost 35 years ago," Egan said, "and the first decade and a half, I really felt alone."

Now, he has a big hand in bringing people with similar experiences together. On September 22, AFSP will hold its 20th annual Capital Region Walk for R.I.T.A.

"It started back in 2005, a year after the death of Dr. Rita Leighton, who the walk is named for," Egan explained.

In addition to raising money for suicide prevention research, these walks serve as an opportunity to connect people who have been affected by suicide.

"It's an amazing chance for people who've lost a loved one, or struggle, to know they're not alone," Egan said, "it really helps spread the word that we need to do more for mental health and suicide prevention."

Egan believes progress has been made in this area. For example, the implementation of the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

"Having that available and open to people, that they can call, or text, or chat, just really gives people an option when they're struggling," Egan added.

Egan encourages everyone to come out to the Orenda Pavilion at Saratoga Spa State Park for the walk, whether you are honoring the life of someone you've lost, or simply want to support the cause.

"We have a ton of area resources for people. We have therapy horses there that folks can visit. We have an art station for either kids or adults. You can sit there and do something creative. We have a lot of remembrance activities. We'll be able to spotlight some of our work as well, whether it's our work with loss survivors, or our work on advocacy," Egan said.

If you are in crisis, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting 741-741.