It can happen to anyone: an NFL player just days after a victory, a beloved TV chef known for her constant smile, or a stranger standing on an elevated highway during the morning rush hour. Suicidal thoughts don’t discriminate. They can take hold even when help is available, through resources like 988, the dedicated work of our colleagues at Crisis Services and other agencies, and the daily engagement of our Spectrum Health team.
Recent headlines have shared heartbreaking stories of loss and despair. Yet amid those stories, we continue to search for — and find — hope.
This past September, several Spectrum Health team members joined the Walk Out of Darkness, an annual event honoring those individuals we’ve lost to suicide and celebrating those finding their way to brighter days. Along with the annual flag-raising ceremony at Erie County Hall, the September episode of our Spectrum Health Journey podcast, and our webinar on Suicide in the Construction Industry, these moments remind us of why we do what we do.
Each is an opportunity to share stories of inspiration, to reaffirm connection, and to gently guide others toward strength, recovery, and resilience.
Here are a few reflections from our Spectrum Health team members who participated in this year’s Walk Out of Darkness.
“I originally started to attend the walk every year on a personal level as I lost a dear friend to suicide. I now also walk to represent Spectrum Health as I feel their presence there is imperative to show others what the agency has to offer and that the agency is involved in suicide awareness and prevention. It is comforting to know that I am not alone in my own personal experience and that my clients also are not alone. There is no staff member or individual who would not benefit from attending even just one walk. For if one person is educated, supported, and informed then we have done our job!! Team #justkeepswimming
Dawn, Care Coordinator
“People are very grateful that we are there. In addition to informational resources, we provided Narcan, test strips and gun locks. You see all the t-shirts and buttons in memory of the people they are walking for. And there are always a few people who can barely hold back their tears, so you know that the loss is probably very recent.”
Ann, Project Manager
“As a suicide attempt survivor, The Walk Out of Darkness holds a very special place in my heart. I’ve had the opportunity to be present at this event now for the last several years and I’m so grateful for that because it has allowed me to see how meaningful this event is to our Buffalo community. The outpouring of love and support that you feel from different agencies who all come together for a shared purpose is simply amazing. It reminds me that no matter who you are, or what you’re going through, there is ALWAYS someone there who cares and wants to listen; and you never know what someone might be struggling with so remember to check in on your people.”
Erin, Community Wellness Specialist
“Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have an enormous impact on individuals, families and even communities. However, suicide is preventable providing individuals and families have knowledge and access to the appropriate resources in the community. The entire community can help with this matter if they would take an active role in on-going educational session about suicide prevention.”
James, Community Wellness Specialist
