Hundreds to gather at ND state capitol for suicide prevention walk

BISMARCK — Hundreds of people are expected to gather at the Bismarck State Capitol for the annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk, aiming to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

The Saturday fundraising event is to begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration, followed by a 10 a.m. walk.

The walk, part of a nationwide program, is meant to draw attention to some unnerving statistics: An estimated 1 million Americans attempt suicide each year, with more than 36,000 dying from suicide. More than 20 million Americans are believed to suffer from depression.

There are more than 250 Out of the Darkness Community Walks nationwide this fall. Another walk is scheduled in Valley City on Oct. 21.

The Bismarck event has so far raised $25,000 of its $40,000 goal.

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