The Central Carolina Out of the Darkness Walk will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the North Main Athletic Complex, also known as Ting Park, in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention AFSP, this community event focuses on suicide prevention, raising mental health awareness, and offering a supportive environment for those affected.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the nation's leading voluntary health organization dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide, as well as providing support for those affected by it. Signature grassroots efforts like the Out of the Darkness Community Walks, such as the one coming up in Holly Springs, serve as the primary vehicle for raising local awareness, funding educational outreach, and uniting people who share a personal connection to the cause.
Event Schedule & Timeline
- 8:30 AM: Resource tables open for participants to browse mental health materials and community support information.
- 9:30 AM: On-site registration and check-in officially open.
- 10:30 AM: The opening ceremony begins, followed immediately by the walk.
- 12:00 PM: The event concludes.
What to Expect
- The Route: The walk is a non-competitive, family-friendly 1.2-mile stroll around the complex's pond.
- Honor Beads: Participants receive complimentary honor beads, with different colors representing personal connections to the cause (such as losing a loved one, personal struggles, or showing support as an ally).
- Community Support: The venue will host several local resource tables and interactive activities centered around hope and healing.
- Live Music: Local acoustic act the Digh Brothers (2Digh4) will perform live to provide an uplifting and welcoming atmosphere.
Registration & Admission
Participation is completely free and open to the public, though pre-registration helps organizers plan effectively. If you want to join a team, fundraise, or make a donation, you can sign up or contribute directly through the AFSP Central Carolina Walk Registration Page.
If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time or experiencing thoughts of suicide, support is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
