Two weeks ago, church members at a Grayson Church arrived to find elderly Loganville siblings dead in the parking lot from a murder suicide. Two days later, Tommy Carlton, former manager of the Walton County Country Club, took his own life - and those were just a couple reported on. In most instances, suicide is not reported on so the magnitude of the problem is not widely know. But to survivors of suicide, the problem is enormous. As the economy continues to struggle and military deployments stretch on, this problem is likely to only get worse.

According to a press release from The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Metro Atlanta Chapter, the organization has begun a Survivor Outreach Program coordinator to reach out to the families of Georgians who commit suicide each year.

“More than 900 Georgians commit suicide each year, leaving behind countless grieving loved ones,” said Steve Garlow, chairman – AFSP’s Metro Atlanta Chapter. “Our chapter’s trained volunteer survivors have been there, so they can offer invaluable support, information and reassurance.”

In an effort to help raise funds and awarenesse, more than 500 survivors of suicide and mental health advocates are expected to participate in the Metro Atlanta Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) annual fundraising walk, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6 at Piedmont Park.

Research shows that more than 60 percent of Americans will know someone who dies by suicide and more than 20 percent will lose a family member. Every suicide leaves behind family members and friends --“survivors”-- to cope with the loss.

Nationally, every 15 minutes someone takes his/her own life, making suicide the 10^0h leading cause of death in America.  In Georgia, almost 1,000 citizens take their life each year, causing suicide rates to surpass those of homicide. Out of the Darkness raises the funds necessary to support metro Atlanta prevention efforts, advocacy programs and survivor outreach.

AFSP Atlanta hopes to increase public awareness and raise $150,000 for suicide prevention research, education and advocacy. 

The Survivor Outreach Program sends specially-trained volunteers who are survivors themselves to visit with those who are recently bereaved. Visits are made upon request only, and volunteers provide information about local resources, including support groups, healing conferences and suggested reading materials. They will also listen, share their own experiences and offer reassurance that surviving suicide loss is possible.

AFSP’s Metro Atlanta Chapter has implemented the program in Georgia by naming Kim DePriest to spearhead local efforts on a volunteer basis.  DePriest is a resident of Dawsonville and lost her son to suicide two years ago. Those interested in either volunteering or scheduling a visit should click here for more information.

The AFSP is the leading national nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.  As one of the nation’s leading AFSP chapters, the Metro Atlanta Chapter hosts local education, awareness, advocacy and fundraising events in central Georgia.