Minot’s Out of the Darkness Walk to raise funds and awareness to prevent suicide will take place Sunday, Sept. 7, in Oak Park at Shelter 7.

Check in is at noon and the event begins at 2 p.m.

The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is held annually in 11 communities in September, hosted by the North Dakota Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Walks also will be held Sunday, Sept. 7, in Carrington and Williston. A walk will be held Saturday, Sept. 13, in Watford City, and Saturday, Sept. 20, in Devils Lake.

Funds raised provide support for mental health research, prevention education programs across North Dakota and support for loss survivors in the state.

“Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by joining us and providing your support to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our ultimate goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Janet Harvey, fundraising manager for the Dakotas, American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the foundation. In North Dakota suicide rates are the ninth leading cause of death. Between the ages of 15-34, suicide is the second leading cause of death. For those between the ages of 35-44, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death.