Suicide prevention support in the Lowcountry
By Jenny Peterson
Each year, hundreds of people gather for the Out of the Darkness Charleston Area Walk, an event that brings people together who have a shared impact from suicide.
Suicide remains a serious public health crisis in the United States. In 2024, 48,824 people died by suicide, making it the 10th leading cause of death in the nation. That same year, an estimated 2.2 million adults reported attempting suicide, according to the latest available CDC data. From 2014 to 2024, more than half a million lives — 516,790 — were lost to suicide.
Behind those numbers are families, friends, colleagues and communities navigating loss — and organizations working to make sure fewer people face a crisis alone.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, an opportunity to start difficult conversations, recognize warning signs and remind people that support is available. Those in a crisis can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The national organization has a robust South Carolina chapter with a mission to eliminate the loss of life from suicide through prevention programs, education, raising funds for suicide research and creating community support for to those who have lost someone to suicide.
The organization’s annual Out of the Darkness Charleston Area Walk brings the community together to remember those lost, support survivors and fund suicide prevention research, advocacy and education.
The 1- to 3-mile walk includes an opening ceremony, activities focused on hope and healing, resource tables and complimentary honor beads. It will be held Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. at Gahagan Park in Summerville.
Learn more and register at www.afspwalks.donordrive.com/Charleston.
Quest on Campus
Based in Charleston, Quest is a nonprofit that offers peer-supported community for young adults navigating challenges including loneliness, suicide and addiction.
Through recreational events, educational programs and community awareness campaigns, Quest offers fitness activities, runs and walks, yoga and meditation, motivational speakers, peer-led workshops and student-led initiatives focused on mental health and recovery awareness.
Follow @questinrecovery on Instagram to connect and find upcoming events.
A Shared Connection
In honor of suicide prevention month, Charleston County Public Library will host a free screening and community discussion of the 45-minute documentary Remember Me: Breaking the Silence on Mental Illness and Suicide.
In it, local ABC News 4 anchor and mother Tessa Spencer shares her personal journey through loss and her mission to challenge stigma and encourage honest conversations about mental health and suicide. Co-hosted with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the event will include a community discussion and connections to local resources and support services. It will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Keith Summey North Charleston Regional Library.
