Santa Barbara MTD

7 hours ago

💙💜 September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

MTD would like to support the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in inviting our community to come together to raise awareness, break down stigma, support those affected by suicide, and remind one another that no one has to struggle alone.

Behavioral Wellness, in partnership with AFSP, will hold the 2026 Out of the Darkness Santa Barbara Walk on Saturday, October 3 at Goleta Beach Park. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m., with the walk beginning at 10:00 a.m. Registration is free.

This noncompetitive, 1–3 mile walk is part of a nationwide effort to unite communities in the fight against suicide. It offers a meaningful opportunity for those affected by suicide to come together, remember those we have lost, support those who struggle, find hope and healing, and raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.

🚌 MTD can help get you there via Lines 11, 15X & 24X. Goleta Beach Park is approximately an 8-minute walk from Line 11’s Moffett & Goleta Beach stop and an 11-minute walk from the Lines 15X & 24X Elings Hall stop.

Together, we are stronger.

Suicide remains a critical public health issue. According to the latest statistics published by AFSP, 48,824 Americans died by suicide in 2024, and suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. While suicide deaths and the national suicide rate decreased slightly from 2023, suicide attempts increased significantly, with an estimated 2.2 million American adults attempting suicide in 2024.

These numbers are an important reminder that suicide prevention remains an urgent, year-round effort. National Suicide Prevention Month provides a special opportunity to connect people with resources, spread hope, have conversations that can be difficult, and reinforce the message that help is available and no one is alone.

Despite greater awareness surrounding mental health and suicide, stigma can still prevent people from reaching out for help. As a community, we can help dismantle those barriers by creating space for open conversations, listening without judgment, connecting people with support, and reminding those who may be struggling that their lives matter.

💙 Registration for the Out of the Darkness Walk is free:
Register for the 2026 Santa Barbara Out of the Darkness Walk👉https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/SantaBarbara

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

For local assistance accessing Behavioral Wellness services, contact the Santa Barbara County 24/7 Crisis Response and Services Access Line at (888) 868-1649.

Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness👉https://www.countyofsb.org/bw-behavioral-wellness ... See MoreSee Less