Renton, Wash., Sept. 5, 2024 – Nearly 50,000 people died by suicide and 1.6 million people attempted suicide in the United States, underscoring the critical need for action to address this urgent public health matter.
To further our unwavering commitment of serving all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable, and in response to escalating suicide rates across the U.S., Providence is joining forces with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at several Out of the Darkness Walk events.
Launching in September, also Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, this initiative will see community members, including hundreds of Providence caregivers, walking to champion mental wellness in Providence service areas across seven states.
“Our nation is facing an unprecedented rate of suicide,” said Rod Hochman, M.D., president and CEO of Providence. “These staggering numbers highlight the urgent need for enhanced prevention efforts and community support for those affected by suicide and ideation, as well as other mental health conditions. Out of the Darkness Walks play a vital role in addressing this crisis, providing hope and actionable change. Together, we’re taking proactive steps toward prevention and support.”
This annual event is more than a walk; it is a life-affirming commitment to healing and hope. By joining this nationwide effort, Providence aims to break the silence and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide.
Providence’s bold commitment to increasing access to mental health care
Providence is taking actionable steps to address the nation’s mental health crisis by making a long-term commitment to increase access to mental health care to 1 million individuals in the Western U.S. by 2026.
Through its national foundation, Providence’s Well Being Trust, more than $10 million has been invested in communities throughout the Providence seven-state footprint. And the impact is significant:
- 600,000+ projected lives touched;
- 40 community partnerships, including five school-based initiatives;
- 13,300+ patients received potentially life-saving interventions for opioid use disorder, suicidality, and depression.
“Amidst the increasing rates of suicide, it’s imperative to acknowledge the progress being made to help prevent suicide. Continued improvements and effective suicide prevention efforts require collective dedication and grassroots action from each one of us,” said Arpan Waghray, M.D., CEO, Providence’s Well Being Trust.
“Participating in a local Out of the Darkness Walk is an excellent way to engage and show support for the well-being of our communities,” Dr. Waghray added.
Community members can join with Providence caregivers at the following nine sponsored Out of Darkness Walks:
Location
Date
Sept. 7 |
Sept. 8 |
Sept. 14 |
Sept. 14 |
Sept. 29 |
Oct. 5 |
Oct. 13 |
Oct. 19 |
Oct. 26 |
For more information about Providence mental health programs and opportunities to get involved, click here.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
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About Providence
Providence is a national, not-for-profit Catholic health system comprising a diverse family of organizations and driven by a belief that health is a human right. With 51 hospitals, more than 1,100 physician clinics, senior services, supportive housing, and many other health and educational services, the health system and its partners employ more than 129,000 caregivers serving communities across seven states – Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, with system offices in Renton, Wash., and Irvine, Calif. Learn about our vision of health for a better world at Providence.org.
About Providence’s Well Being Trust
Providence’s Well Being Trust is the behavioral health strategy arm of Providence and a national foundation dedicated to advancing the mental, social, and spiritual health for all. Learn more at wellbeingtrust.org. Follow us on LinkedIn: @wellbeingtrust.
