Hundreds take part in walk for suicide prevention

Hundreds gathered at Civic Center Park in Palm Desert Saturday morning for the annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk hosted by the Inland Empire and Desert Cities chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Those who attended had the chance to hear and share stories of suicide loss and survival. The event is dedicated to removing stigma and promoting healthy conversations about mental health.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 48,000 lives are lost to suicide each year. This year's event raised more than $30,000 for suicide prevention research and community programming.

KESQ News Channel 3 Meteorologist Kelley Moody emceed the opening ceremony.

If you or a loved one are struggling, you can call or text the suicide lifeline 988.