Palm Desert will host a walk for suicide prevention and mental health awareness Saturday, county officials said.
The annual event will occur at 9 a.m. Saturday in the city’s Civic Center Park, located at 43900 San Pablo Ave., according to a city calendar listing. The Palm Desert event follows a previous suicide prevention walk held in Riverside on Sept. 28.
“Each life matters, and in Riverside County, we are committed to doing everything in our power to prevent the tragedy of suicide,” Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said in a statement. “The Out of Darkness Walks are a powerful reminder that we stand united in this mission.”
Both events are co-sponsored by the Riverside University Health System (RUHS) and the Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition, the latter of which was founded by the Board of Supervisors in 2020 as an outreach and education-focused partnership of local organizations and agencies. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is also an official partner.
During Saturday’s walk, participants will be able to connect, share stories, honor suicide victims through memorial activities and take advantage of education and support resources, according to city officials.
“Riverside County has made significant strides in suicide prevention, achieving a 16 percent decrease in suicide rates from 2019 to 2022,” First District Supervisor Kevin Jeffries said in a statement. “However, each life lost is a tragedy, and continued efforts are essential to support those at risk.”
Donations and fundraising options are also available for those who can’t attend in-person.
Information on registration, donation and other aspects of the event can be found at www.ruhealth.org/events/out-of-darkness-walks-24.