UCSB Hosts Suicide Prevention Fundraiser

This weekend, lace up your trainers and walk for a cause. On Sunday, April 21, UC Santa Barbara will host its first ever Out of the Darkness Walk to raise funds for suicide prevention. One of over 45 college campuses participating this spring, UCSB intends to raise $5,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to support research, education, advocacy, and suicide prevention initiatives.

The college lifestyle is hectic and often highly stressful, placing students among those most affected by depression and suicide. According to the AFSP, approximately 38,000 people commit suicide each year, making it the second leading cause of death among college students and the overall leading cause of injury death in the United States. With more than 20 million suffering from depression nationwide, raising awareness and funding research about the tremendous impact of this preventable problem is absolutely crucial, said AFSP representatives.

After participants complete the scenic walk course, which spans around UCSB’s campus before leading back to Goleta Beach, they will be treated to free food from local eateries Crushcakes & Café, Sam’s To Go, and Woodstock’s Pizza. Santa Barbara will also host a community walk in November on Leadbetter Beach, at which the AFSP will continue to raise awareness for its cause.