Out of the Darkness Walk

The Out of the Darkness walk is a University of Maine campus event that is coordinated by the University Counseling Center, in collaboration with other offices on campus. 

The walk raises funds for suicide prevention and is all by donation. Members of the community are joined to raise awareness and support those who have been affected by suicide loss. 

"Each fall we walk in support of those who struggle with feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. We also walk to honor those who have died by suicide, and to offer support to those who have lost a loved one to suicide. By joining together as a community, our goal is to raise awareness about suicide and reduce stigma so that more people feel safe to get the help they need."
- University of Maine Counseling Center

Those who walk at the event have a choice to wear Honor Beads. Each bead represents a personal connection to the cause, and helps identify others who understand this loss:

Red - Lost spouse of partner

Orange - Lost a sibling

Green - Struggled personally

Teal - Friends and/or family of someone who struggles

Blue - To support the cause

Purple - Lost a relative or friend

White - Lost a child

Silver - Lost first responder / military

Gold - Lost a parent

By participating in the Out of the Darkness Walks, you join the effort, along with thousands of people to raise awareness and funds that allows the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to invest in new research, create educational programs, and support survivors of suicide loss.  

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm to self or others, please call 911 or UMPD at 207-581-4040. For additional information and resources, please click HERE