Out of Darkness Walk for Suicide Awareness

ACMH partnered with Lois Potthoff, LMHC, MS, Certified EMDR Consultant and Coach/ CTP from Touching Lives Center to raise awareness for Suicide Prevention. ACMH co-workers and community members came together to support this awareness program.

As sponsor, Amanda Arneson from The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) raised awareness last month during the SW Iowa Regional Out of the Darkness Walk. This event was held for the first time in Audubon County.

According to AFSP, these Community Walks are “held in hundreds of cities across the country, are the core of the Out of the Darkness movement, which began in 2004. These events give people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause, and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost. Now, more than ever, it’s important to be there for one another and take steps to safeguard our mental health and prevent suicide.”

BBs Smokin Que food truck was available after the walk for participants to have lunch. Brian Bird the owner of BBs Smokin Que, generously donated all profits to the AFSP.

Audubon County residents can look forward to participating in this walk in September of 2025.

Photo Caption:

ACMH co-workers (L to R): Kaylene Riebhoff, Mindy Alt, Sue Wede, Melissa Vinke, Caylee Rokke, Heather Toft and Lois Potthoff from Touching Lives Center.