GREATER SPRINGFIELD – After hosting an entirely virtual event in 2020, the 2021 Greater Springfield Out of the Darkness Walk to Fight Suicide is set to take place both in-person and virtually, for those who don’t feel comfortable attending in-person.  

On Oct. 23, rain or shine, the in-person walk will take place at School Street Park in Agawam, located at 511 School Street. Heather White, Associate Area Director for the Massachusetts and Vermont chapters of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), said the in-person walk is “slightly scaled back.” In previous years, White claimed that they’ve had between 1,500 to 2,000 walkers. As of press time, she shared that a little over 400 have signed up.  

Due to the size and “beauty” of School Street, White said there is no limit to how many walkers may attend. Since the event is outside, masks are not required, however, participants can wear one if they so choose. White assured that they will be practicing safe social distancing.

Registration for the in-person walk begins at 8:30 a.m. on the day of., however, they recommend pre-registration to limit personal contact. For those who do not register ahead of time, White said that they will be asked to use their smartphones and either scan a QR code or register through their website.

Although there is no registration fee, White said participants are encouraged to make a donation to the cause. Donations are also encouraged to be made ahead of time; however, a drop box will be set up for donations during the event.  

The walk itself will begin at 10 a.m. There is no set end time, as White said people can complete the three-mile course at their own pace. In the past, a barbecue and live music took place after the walk, but due to the downsizing, that will not happen this year.  

All walkers may walk by themselves, with a partner or even on a team. White explained that each participant is strongly encouraged to set a $150 fundraising goal to help support AFSP’s work to stop suicide. If they reach this goal, they will receive an official 2021 Out of the Darkness Walk t-shirt. As the funding goes up, she said they’ll receive additional incentives.  

On Nov. 6, the virtual event will take place at 10 a.m. Participants are able to join the event through Facebook Live. Here, they will be able to view an opening ceremony, bead ceremony and listen to speakers who share their own experiences both directly or indirectly with suicide. All of this will be the same as it was during the in-person event, assured White.  

“[Participants] can walk at their own leisure,” she continued. Since it is virtual, walkers are able to complete the stroll in their neighborhoods, on trails, etc. - at any given time. “We send them a podcast that they can listen to while they walk,” added White. Walkers will receive the podcast through a private link, shared by the AFSP.  

Whether you wish to attend in-person or virtual, White encourages everyone to participate. “It’s a great day of hope and willingness.”

“[The] support has been so overwhelming,” continued White. “Friends and families are donating. [People are] realizing how important this is - especially now, [during the pandemic].”

She emphasized that everyone needs to “keep the foot on the gas and keep moving forward,” in an effort to “prevent suicide, break the stigma and raise awareness.”

Although this is AFSP’s 20th year walking for suicide prevention, this is not the 20th Out of the Darkness Walk, explained White. However, they are recognizing and marking the importance of 20 years of walking for the cause.  

For additional information on the Out of the Darkness Walk, to register or become a sponsor, visit https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=7551.  

Those registering for the virtual event will receive a link once registration is complete. The link will also be available on the AFSP Massachusetts Facebook page.