Out of the Darkness 2014 Columbus Walk

The OPA/COPA walking team, consisting of Dr. Beth McCreary and her daughters, Dr. Catherine Malkin, Dr. Jim Shaw, and Dr. Mary Lewis with her daughter. 

Thanks to all who donated and supported the OPA/COPA walking team for the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention walk yesterday. It was an amazing day, the weather could not have been more perfect and there was a large crowd. 

Thank  you to Catherine Malkin, Beth McCreary, Jim Shaw, Nicolette Howells, Kathryn Leugers, and the Jeff Shriver family for signing up to walk! The OPA/COPA team raised $1650, which was 82.5% of our goal of $2000.

The entire Columbus walk raised $71,191 out of their $90,000 goal -- with numerous donations yet to be counted. 

It is not too late to still donate! Even a $5 tax-deductible donation could make a difference and save someone's life. Think of how powerful a statement it would be if every OPA psychologist donated $5 to the mission of suicide prevention -- we could easily raise close to $10,000 ourselves. 

You have until the end of the year to contribute to our team and support us even though the walk is over at this link: http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.teamParticipants&teamID=69126

Out of the Darkness Walk Report - Columbus

On Sunday, October 13th, 2013, team members from the Ohio Psychological Association/Central Ohio Psychological Association participated in the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk. Pictured are team members Nicolette Howells, Marjorie Kukor, Beth McCreary, and Mary Lewis. Also pictured are Makayla and Marina McCreary and Emma Lewis. Walking but not pictured are Aaron Lewis (in the stroller) and Mike Cutright. The team walked at Fred Beekman park in Columbus, OH to support suicide prevention efforts and raised $905 from 15 donors. The entire Columbus walk raised $67,767 (pending mail-in donations). Fifty-percent of the donations will stay in the Columbus area for direct suicide prevention efforts, while the other 50% will go towards suicide prevention research.

While at the walk, OPA and COPA distributed 100 Apa Help Center book marks, 50 "Road to Resilience" and 65 "Talk to a Psychologist" brochures, plus 50 of the "Mind your Mental Health" brochures. We also provided flyers on "211," which is a local service that can link callers to self-help groups and mental health resources.

Reminder: Suicide Prevention Walks

Columbus
October 13, 2013
Join the OPA/COPA team!

Cleveland
October 19, 2013

Cincinnati
October 20, 2013

Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walks 2013

Please consider participating in one of the Out of the Darkness suicide prevention walks this fall. Participation can include walking as part of a team, volunteering your time, or giving a donation to the effort. Here is the information for Ohio walks that have been scheduled at this time.

Toledo
September 28, 2013

Columbus
October 13, 2013
Join the OPA/COPA team!

Cleveland
October 19, 2013

Cincinnati
October 20, 2013

Out of the Darkness Walk: Thank you!

Thanks to all who donated to the OPA/COPA team in Columbus, OH for the walk on October 7th, 2012. As of that date, the team donated $1865 -- and there are mailed-in donations yet to be counted. It was a little chilly start, but a beautiful day to walk for a worthy cause.

 

Walking team of Mary Lewis, Catherine Malkin and Beth McCreary

 

Walking for a good cause! 

Out of the Darkness Walks

Please join us for the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walks on Sunday, October 7th from 12-2pm. This will be OPA/COPA's joint team. 

Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walks

The COPA/OPA Team at a past walk

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is holding their annual suicide prevention walks across the nation! 50% of all the proceeds raised in each walk stay locally for suicide prevention programs, and the other 50% go to support suicide prevention research. Please consider starting a team or getting involved! Here is a list of the Ohio walks.

08/20/2011	3rd Annual Suicide Prevention Poker Run, Quaker Steak & Lube - Milford, Ohio
09/17/2011	Toledo OOTD Community Walk, Centennial Quarry & Terrace - Sylvania, Ohio
10/08/2011	Youngstown Walk, Mill Creek Park Wick Recreation Area - Youngstown, Ohio
10/16/2011	Cincinnati Walk, University of Cincinnati’s McMicken Com, - Cincinnati, Ohio
10/22/2011	Cleveland Walk, Wendy Park - Cleveland, Ohio
10/23/2011	Columbus Walk, Fred Beekman Park , 2200 Carmack Rd - Columbus, Ohio
10/29/2011	Fremont, OH Community Walk, Birchard Park - Fremont, Ohio

If you are in Central Ohio, please consider joining the COPA/OPA team or providing financial support for a good cause!

Veterans and Suicide

A recent New York Times article on Veterans and Suicide reveals that according to the CDC, veterans account for at least one out of every 5 suicides every year. Ohio has the 4th highest veteran population of all of the states, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Psychologists play a critical role in suicide assessment and prevention, as do suicide prevention hotlines. Here are some important websites and phone numbers to have available if you know someone who is suicidal.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
Ohio Department of Mental Health: Suicide Prevention

Please also consider supporting research for suicide prevention by donating to or participating in the "Out of the Darkness" Suicide Prevention Walks.

Sept 6-12 is Suicide Prevention Week

September 6-12, 2009 is Suicide Prevention Week. In the United States, one person takes their own life every 16 minutes. Each suicide affects at least six other people, including family members, friends and treating professionals. Ohio ranks #29 among all the states in number of suicides. Risk factors include mental illness, substance abuse, previous suicide attempts, hopelessness, access to lethal means, recent loss of loved, ones, unemployment and vulnerability to self-harm (just a few examples). For more information, or to download the informational kit for National Suicide Prevention week, please visit the American Association of Suicidology website.

November 22 is National Survivors of Suicide Day

On November 22nd, join with other survivors of suicide loss at a local site near you or register to watch the 90-minute program from your home computer from 1-2:30pm Eastern Time and take part in a free online chat immediately afterwards.

The program includes a blend of emotional support and information about resources for healing for survivors of suicide loss. Survivors and mental health professionals discuss their experiences and answer the questions that so many survivors face: Why did this happen? How do I cope?

To find a conference site nearest you, or to register to watch the webcast from home, visit www.afsp.org/survivorday. When you register to watch from home, you are automatically registered for the online chat afterwards.