CAPS to Host 13th Annual “Out of the Darkness Walk” to Promote Mental Health & Prevent Suicide

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 13, 2023) — The University at Albany will host its 13th annual “Out of the Darkness Walk,” on Saturday, April 22, at 10 a.m., joining nearly 200 other colleges and universities this year to raise both awareness and funds for suicide prevention.

The “Out of the Darkness Campus Walk” is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) chief fundraising series, designed to engage youth and young adults in the fight to prevent suicide. Each year, hundreds of walks are organized in communities across the nation to show support, raise awareness and generate funds for local AFSP chapters.

Registration for UAlbany’s 1.6-mile walk is free and all are welcome to participate. The event is coordinated by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

“It is an honor to be a part of the ‘Out of the Darkness Walk’ each year on our campus,” said CAPS Psychologist Sara Cunningham. “All are invited to join us for another inspiring year as we walk to bring hope, healing and connection to our campus and community. We aim to continue to raise awareness and strengthen support for mental health and well-being for our students and community members.”

UAlbany’s walk supports the Capital Region AFSP chapter, which leads critical work to promote mental health and prevent suicide in our community. Their activities include delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and supporting those who have lost someone to suicide. Participants have the option when registering to join a fundraising team to help support this work.

“Suicide touches one in five American families,” said Dan Egan, board chairman of the Capital Region Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “We hope that by walking we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our ultimate goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.”

Campus and community groups will begin tabling at the event at 10 a.m. In addition to the 1.6-mile walk, participants will have the opportunity to share messages of hope and remembrance and pick up “honor beads” to represent their connections to the cause. The program will begin at 11:00 a.m. with remarks from featured speakers including UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez and various elected officials, followed by a sand pouring ceremony.

Get Involved

CAPS is seeking volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks including event set-up, registration and check-in, greeting and directions, distributing honor beads, resources and giveaways, merchandise sales, and post-event cleanup. Volunteers should plan to arrive by 9 a.m. and are encouraged to join the walk when it begins. Email [email protected] to register as a volunteer. Learn more at a virtual volunteer orientation session on Wednesday, April 19.

Event registration is online and on-site at the UAlbany Entry Plaza (1400 Washington Ave. Albany, NY 12222). Day-of registrants are welcome.

Registration and check-in open at 10 a.m. and the program begins at 11 a.m.

Free parking will be available in the State Quad Commuter Student Lot off University Drive East. 

Mental Health Resources at UAlbany

Confidential, free mental health resources are available to all students through UAlbany’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). To learn more or to make an appointment, visit the CAPS webpage.

In the event of a mental health emergency, students may call CAPS at 518-442-5800 any time of day or night to speak with a mental health professional.

Students can connect with peers trained in listening who can offer support through the Middle Earth Peer Assistance hotline: 518-442-5777.

Additional information on urgent mental health concerns is also available.

Community Supports

If you are experiencing a mental health concern or are considering suicide, help is available by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

In a mental health emergency, you can also call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.