"Out of the Darkness" Suicide Prevention Campus Walk

Columbia College invites students, staff, faculty and community members to participate in our first "Out of the Darkness" Suicide Prevention Campus Walk, Friday April 10, 2026. This is a student-centered event aimed at bringing people together to invest in future leaders by supporting student mental well-being, connectedness, and access to vital suicide-prevention resources.

We would be honored to have you participate. Your involvement would help demonstrate our shared commitment to promoting hope, connection and suicide prevention. Your contributions go to the local chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in the continued efforts in supporting suicide prevention education, training, research and advocacy. Contributions will also support bringing suicide prevention programs to Columbia College and our local high schools.

Event Details:

• 2:00pm to 3:00pm Resource fair with community partners
• 3:00pm opening ceremony walk begins
• 5:00pm event is over

Participation can be:

• Create a Walk Team (free)
• Register as an individual walker
• Spread the word! (Ask me for some fliers we’d love to help you share your impact!)
• Gather donations/sponsorships
• Request one of our free Suicide Prevention Education Programs!

Please go to afsp.org/GoColummbia to register.

 

If you have any questions about donations or sponsorships please contact Jordan McMurray at mcmurrayj@yosemite.edu or 209-588-5346

Suicide Statistics

Key facts

• More than 720,000 people die due to suicide every year.
• Roughly one person dies by suicide every 40 to 43 seconds.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
• Seventy-three percent of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.
• The reasons for suicide are multi-faceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life-course.
• For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide.  A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.  Call or text 988 for the National Suicide Hotline and National Mental Health Crisis Line