Organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the annual walk raises awareness of mental illness, encourages the community to offer support to those in need and move toward a world without suicide.

The event also serves as a fundraiser and provides a space for people to connect over shared grief.

As of the start of the walk, participants had raised $9,055 online across 101 donations.

“Whether you have lost a loved one to suicide, been engaged in your own fight against suicide or are here to support your family and friends, we are glad you are here with us today,” said Pamela Peter, co-chair of this year’s Out of the Darkness Walk.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS The route of the Clinton County Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention was covered in positive messages, like “You are loved” and “The world is better with YOU!”

Peter said the event is meant to let those struggling know that there are people who can support them.

Around Riverside Park, community resources including counseling agencies, veterans affairs, mental health clinics and support groups like Roads to Peace were on hand to provide information and support to walkers.

Attendees also had access to freebies, informational brochures with online resources and food and drink from local food trucks.

Before the walk began, participants heard from two speakers who had been personally impacted by suicide. The first was Tammi Knight, who lost her son to suicide in August 2018.

“It may be painful to discuss, but silence has never saved a life,” Knight said. “Talking about suicide openly, compassionately and without judgement – that’s how we cope.”

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Deborah Rosamilia Dailey, of Mill Hall, shared how the loss of her fiance and close family members led her to attempt suicide at Clinton County’s Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention on Sunday, Sept. 14.

She says suicide is not a weakness or a selfish act.

“It is about pain – intense, overwhelming pain that convinces someone they are alone and that things will never get better,” she said.

“Yet the truth is things can get better,” Knight added. “Healing is possible and support does exist, and every single one of us has the power to help someone to see that.”

She described suicide prevention as a responsibility of the entire community, and encouraged family and friends to reach out to anyone who has grown quiet, asking how they are or letting them know they are being thought of — and, importantly, to listen to them.

“We don’t need all of the answers. We just need to show up, care and remind someone their life matters,” Knight said.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Tammi Knight, who lost her son to suicide in August 2018, discusses her experience at Clinton County’s Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention on Sunday, Sept. 14. “The truth is things can get better,” she said.

“Events like this remind us that we are not powerless — we are the solution. By raising awareness, by supporting prevention programs, by talking about it openly and being there for one another we can make a difference,” she said.

After her remarks, Deborah Rosamilia Dailey, of Mill Hall, shared how the loss of her fiance and close family members led her to attempt suicide.

“I could not find a silver lining — all hope was lost,” she said “I couldn’t take it anymore.”

Months of grief and despair left her feeling there was no way forward.

“So I made a plan, and for some reason I am still here,” said Rosamilia Dailey.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Support groups, like Free Mom Hugs, which empowers the world to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community through visibility and education, were in attendance to provide information, support and resources to attendees. According to the Trevor Porject, LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.

She said there is no shame in seeking help. For Rosamilia Dailey, medication, grief support groups, therapy and journaling were key to recovery.

“I am not ashamed to tell my story,” she said. “I am here as someone who is now a survivor and constantly remembering that my life is important too.”

Volunteers and local organizations played a key role in making the walk possible.

“We have an awesome group of volunteers this year,” said Peter, who noted that students from Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, Lycoming College and Pennsylvania College of Technology all helped make the walk happen.

“It’s been great to see some of the younger generation getting involved with the cause,” Peter added. “I think it just shows mental health is more of a talked-about topic now.”

Sponsors of the Clinton County Out of the Darkness Walk included West Pharmaceutical Services, Keystone Counseling and Evaluation Services, Community Care Behavioral Health and The Meadows.

Organizers also thanked Avenue 209 and Domino’s for helping get the word out to their customers.

To learn more or donate, visit afsp.org/clintoncounty.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, dial 988 to reach the 988 Lifeline or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.