SALEM, Va. – Hundreds came out in Salem to bring awareness to suicide in Southwest Virginia Saturday.
The 'Out of the Darkness' walk took place on campus at Roanoke College.
It began with the release of doves to symbolize light and hope for those struggling with depression.
Volunteer organizer Colleen Quigley said it's something she sees in her job as a mental health counselor to young adults.
"What we know is that suicide is the second leading cause of death from individuals in the age group between 15 and 24, which of course is prime time for our college students,” Quigley said. “It is something that as a professional, I have a lot of people struggling with depression, with suicidal thoughts. So it is a tremendous issue among this age group, so that's why we're very happy to be able to have it on-campus."
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The walk raised money for programs in colleges and public school systems that will continue to inform parents, students, and teachers about resources available to those who struggle with mental health issues.