In partnership with Walk in the Light education team, American Foundations for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and with the help of Corporal Mecham, Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) coordinated an “Out of the Darkness Walk” this month. The walk brought together 163 adults in custody (AIC) for suicide prevention and awareness and to create community among those who have been impacted by suicide.
The Walk in the Light education team was formed when Tamara Upton heard about the walk and decided that Coffee Creek needed to come together as a community and support each other who have been affected by suicide. Even though Upton was fighting stage 4 cancer she wanted to live to see the walk happen at CCCF. On a cold rainy April morning, Upton saw her dream come true. Walk in the Light education team each took turns speaking incredible words of inspiration and hope, and testimonies of personal struggle—coming together as a community.
When the different color bracelets were called out and hands were raised, a moment of silence marked a remembrance for those affected by suicide. Superintendent Myers stated “Wearing blue or gray, suicide affects everyone in this facility.”
The Walk in the Light team raised over $3,000 to donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Thank you to the Walk in the Light team for your initiative to bring an Out of the Darkness Walk to Coffee Creek!
Walk in the Light education team members include Tamara Upton, Angela Kim, Paige Couch, Kimberly Crawford and Carolyn Exum.
If you or a loved one are struggling, visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Suicide is a threat to all people involved in corrections. The rates of inmate suicide are far higher than the national averages, and even higher still for special populations (including juvenile and LGBTI inmates), even corrections officers have a much greater occupational suicide rate. Learn more
