COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hundreds of people gathered at Columbia’s Riverfront Park Sunday for the annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk, an event focused on raising awareness about suicide prevention and supporting those affected by mental health struggles.

The walk, organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, began nationally in 2004 and has grown into one of the organization’s largest annual events. This year’s Columbia walk drew more than 600 participants, one of the biggest turnouts since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michelle Bessett, area director for South Carolina, said residents drive the event.

“It is all led by people who live here in South Carolina, live here in Columbia, and want to do the work to prevent suicide around the state,” Bessett said.

Volunteers and walker

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