Join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Boston for the 2024 Overnight Walk!

NEW YORK (February 21, 2024) - The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization, is hosting the 29th Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk, its flagship fundraising event, on June 22, 2024, in Boston, MA. The Overnight is a powerful opportunity for mental health and suicide prevention advocates to raise both funds and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention while connecting with a community that understands their experiences. 

Suicide is a leading cause of death, but it can be prevented. “Our work to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide is only possible because of our generous donors,” said AFSP Chief Executive Officer, Robert Gebbia. “Individual donations, including those raised by our Overnight Walkers, form the majority of our funding and are integral to our ability to lead suicide prevention research, advocacy and education efforts across the country. By walking in The Overnight you are part of a community that's changing the culture around mental health and directly playing a critical role in preventing suicide.”

Overnight participants walk over 16 miles from dusk to dawn. Walkers will gather for the night of hope and healing from cities far and wide, and there is an option to participate virtually. Each walking participant raises a minimum of $1,000, students and military families raise $700 and virtual participants raise $500. 

In 2023, 2,000 Overnight participants raised over $2.8 million dollars helping to fund the creation of evidence-informed programs, like AFSP’s newly launched suicide prevention education session for the Black and African American communities, called L.E.T.S. Save Lives. Funds also support AFSP’s nationwide advocacy and ground-breaking research. AFSP is proud to be the largest private funder of suicide prevention research globally. This year, AFSP hopes to surpass the number of Walkers and donations raised in 2023. 

The Overnight is a community where all are welcome and that helps many on their journeys to find healing, solidarity and understanding. At AFSP’s Overnight, Walkers form lifelong friendships and discover a variety of ways to contribute to this cause back home. For many participants, AFSP’s walks are how they start volunteering with their community chapters. 

Walker Chloe Stevens lost her twin brother Clark to suicide when she was 16. Chloe experienced her own struggle after Clark’s death but, the now 25-year-old, has found her community and purpose in the Overnight Walk. 

“The grief and pain are still there, but the suicidal thoughts aren’t anymore,” Chloe said. “Because my life has purpose…I feel grateful. To have a future ahead of me. To be able to help others. To be alive,” Chloe told the Washington Post.

The Overnight is only possible thanks to dedicated volunteers and crew members, if interested in donating your time please contact coaches@theovernight.org.

 We can’t wait for you to join us in Boston as we walk to #StopSuicide.

REGISTER today for the 2024 Overnight Walk.

###

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a public policy office in Washington, DC, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. Learn more about AFSP’s ongoing campaign Talk Away Dark to learn the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, and bravely have a REAL open and honest conversation with others. 

Please fill out this press request form with media inquiries.