American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Greater Kansas Chapter
Suicide was the ninth leading cause of death in Kansas in 2024, the latest year for which suicide rates are available from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Suicide can be prevented, yet Kansas statistics are higher than the national suicide rate.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Greater Kansas Chapter is calling on the Hays and surrounding communities to join the thousands of people who are gathering to walk this season in towns across the United States to promote suicide prevention.
The annual Hays Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by AFSP Greater Kansas, will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, at Aubel-Bickle Optimist Park, 30th and Sherman Ave.
This gathering will support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s education, advocacy, research and support for survivors of suicide loss. In addition to raising awareness and funds to fight suicide, the walks give those who attend a chance to connect with others and know they are not alone, whether they walk in memory or in support of a loved one or in honor of their own mental health journey.
The Out of the Darkness Walks help raise much needed funds for suicide prevention. In 2025, our Hays Walk raised over $7,800.
“These critical funds go directly to AFSP’s lifesaving research, and programming available in communities across our chapter – no matter how big or small,” said chapter board member Holly Wohlers.
Suicide touches one in five families in the United States. “We hope that by connecting with one another, we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Wohlers.
Many individuals who become a part of AFSP’s national community network have either lost someone close to them to suicide, support someone at risk or have their own lived experience involving mental health.
Others join with AFSP’s community in support of someone directly affected, or because they recognize suicide is a major leading cause of death that can often be prevented and want to help in AFSP’s efforts to save lives.
AFSP Greater Kansas measures the impact of their programs and resources across the chapter, aiming for increased knowledge, understanding, and empathy to help people engage in more caring conversations, to help people better understand suicide, and how to prioritize mental health in our lives. In addition, involving community partners helps to engage workplaces, organizations, and people in potentially lifesaving actions – especially in rural areas where access to resources has unique challenges.
"By walking in or donating to an Out of the Darkness Walk, anyone can be a part of lifesaving efforts," Wohlers shared.
To join or support the Hays Walk, please visit afsp.org/hays.