‘This affects everybody’: Suicide prevention group hosts annual awareness-raising event

Nolan Lister

The Montana chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosted its Tri-County Out of the Darkness Campus Walk Saturday afternoon at East Helena High School.

At the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Campus Walk Saturday at East Helena High School, participants hold up their teal beads, a symbol of support for someone who made a suicide attempt.

NOLAN LISTER, Independent Record

The annual event raises awareness and funds for resources in an effort to reduce the rate of suicide in the state, the ninth leading cause of death in Montana in 2022 and the second leading cause of death for Montanans between the ages of 10 and 44.

The state ranks third in the nation in suicide deaths per 100,000 people at 25.88. The national average is 13.48, according to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention statistics.

AFSP Executive Director Katie Levine said she hopes attendees came away from the event with a sense of hope.

“I love you mom”

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