Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health (RUHS—BH), together with the Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition (SPC) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), is inviting community members to participate in the 2025 Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention. The event will take place on Saturday, October 25, at Civic Center Park in Palm Desert, starting at 10 a.m.
Participants can join as individuals or as part of a team. The annual walk aims to bring people together to remember those lost to suicide, connect with local support resources, and promote mental well-being.
“Preventing suicide remains a top priority for Riverside County. We are committed to ensuring all residents feel supported and connected to vital resources,” said Fourth District Supervisor and Board Chairman V. Manuel Perez. “These walks are a meaningful way to demonstrate unity, strengthen our communities and remember those we’ve lost.”
Since 2019, suicide rates in Riverside County have decreased by 16%. This progress is attributed to ongoing education and prevention initiatives led by RUHS, which has provided suicide prevention and mental health awareness programs to over 10,000 residents.
RUHS—BH has trained more than 1,500 individuals in courses such as safeTALK, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and Mental Health First Aid since July 2024.
“At RUHS, we approach suicide prevention through compassionate outreach and consistent education,” said Dr. Matthew Chang, RUHS Behavioral Health Director. “By walking together, we strengthen the message that no one is alone and that support is always available.”
The Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition was established by the Board of Supervisors in 2020. It brings together county agencies and community-based organizations to coordinate suicide prevention efforts. The coalition also hosts a countywide suicide prevention conference each October.
Registered walkers will receive a complimentary SPC T-shirt while supplies last. Those unable to attend can support the cause through donations or fundraising via the event’s team page. All proceeds go toward AFSP’s goal of reducing the national suicide rate by 20% and are fully tax-deductible.
For further information, registration, or to make a donation, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the event website.
