Dear Editor:

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in this country. It touches millions of lives—people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds—but the research is clear: suicide is preventable, and the more people who stand up for suicide prevention and mental health, the more lives we can save.

If you’ve lost someone to suicide, or you or someone you know suffers from a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, please join us for the Out of the Darkness Walk to fight suicide on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Rose Rudman Park. Registration begins at 9:00 AM and the walk will kick off at 10:00 AM

Northeast Texas has the highest suicide rate in all of Texas. We must do better as a community. I am walking for my son-in-law and for all who battle depression. We must raise awareness about suicide prevention and bring hope and healing to all who have lost someone they love to suicide.

Funds raised support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and its bold goal to reduce the annual suicide rate in the United States 20 percent by 2025 through research, education, advocacy, and support. These walks are truly uplifting experiences, and they grow every year. Hope to see you there.

Visit afsp.org/Tyler to register a team, join a team, or donate.

Margret Montgomery Sheffield