Out of the Silence Suicide Awareness & Prevention Walk 9/29/26 4:30-6:30pm
AC Reynolds High School
Enter through main doors to event reception & minitorium
Join us & bring the whole family for our 4th annual Out of the Silence Suicide Awareness & Prevention Walk & Community Event at AC Reynolds High School. This event is the ONLY event of its kind in the greater Asheville area & is open to all community members, schools, & community groups.
More about Out of the Silence:
Purpose: to address one of the top 3 causes of death in young people ages 10-29. Attempts are made by elementary school aged children, so it is never to soon destigmatize the topic
How: we break the ice for you at this event, and provide you with not only ways to talk, but materials to take home & incorporate into your family care plan at your own pace
Who: Everyone is welcome at this free event, & we love to see groups & other schools join in
Why: We started the walk after losing 2 Rockets in 2023, as well as a Rocket family member. We found misplaced fear around talking about their loss. Research clearly shows talking about suicide reduces harm, so we felt compelled.
What to expect…
Enjoy snacks, refreshments, temporary tattoos, face painting, crafts & more before the walk.
Speak with local mental health professionals & pick up resources before & after the walk on topics such as suicide prevention, mental health, anxiety, depression, panic attacks & more. Meet our speakers, too
Work on an art project with us before the event, & other activities to keep younger children entertained.
Families with young children welcome to stay down ground level during speakers, if your littles need to wiggle
Enter at the front of the school, including strollers & wheelchair accessibility
Our speakers are engaging, informative & uplifting including a student, a parent & Dr Rhonda Karg
Enjoy music during the event, along with positive messaging to keep the event inspirational & uplifting
Reach out to text/call 828-301-5615 or acreynoldsptsa@gmail.com
Have questions for ACRHS, call Lauren Ward, Social Worker at 828-298-7665
Schedule…
3:30pm ACRHS Students set up and social time.
4:00pm ACRHS Students Snacks, Drinks, tattoos, face painting, crafts & more
4:30pm OPEN TO PUBLIC, info, bracelets, resource tables, music, all activities above, & counselors available
5:30pm Speakers Begin: Student Speaker, Parent Speaker Leah Madamba, & Mental Health Speaker, Dr Rhonda Karg
6pm Walk & Band Plays
6:10-6:30pm Resource tables remain open with mental health professionals available
Want to volunteer? Click the Signup Genius link below.
Are you a school, PTO, youth group or organization looking to participate, collaborate or attend? Contact acrhsptsavp3@gmail.com to reach Joy Roger’s, VP of Advocacy
OOTS Facebook Event Link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/19PtYDKkT8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Signup Geniust Link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4AA9AE23A57-65616383-outofthe#/

