According to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, each year suicide claims more lives than war, murder and natural disasters combined.

In the wake of increased suicide rates, communities all over the country are doing whatever they can to bring awareness to the problem at hand. From Sources of Strength to Project Silence No More, programs like these have been popping up across the nation. 

One of these programs, the Out of the Darkness Walk, is run by AFSP. Their mission is to reduce suicide rates at least 20% by 2025. AFSP alone has several programs promoting suicide prevention. The Out of Darkness Walk in particular remembers those lost to suicide; their loved ones walk 1.2 miles in honor of them. This walk was at the Ankeny Des Moines Area Community College campus on September 15.