CBS News New York Partners with AFSP for Out of the Darkness Walk

Out of the Darkness Walk

• 🤝 CBS News New York partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) for their annual Out of the Darkness Walk.
• 📍 Nearly 2,000 mental health advocates and allies gathered at Pier 17.
• 🎤 Cindy Hsu served as the emcee and led the CBS News New York team.

Honor Bead Ceremony

• 🎗️ Before the walk, Cindy Hsu hosted the honor bead ceremony.
• 🌈 Participants held up necklaces with bead colors representing their personal connection to suicide or mental illness.
• 💜 Purple beads specifically represent support for suicide prevention.

Personal Connections and Community

• 💔 One participant shared their experience of losing a brother and a friend to suicide, emphasizing the importance of community building.
• 💬 Hearing personal stories was described as encouraging and a way to encourage others dealing with similar struggles.

Fundraising and Support

• 💰 The walk successfully raised nearly $233,000 for AFSP.
• 🎯 The current fundraising goal is $425,000, and donations are still being accepted at afsp.org.
• 📞 For those struggling, the Suicide Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.