Publication Date

Fall 2017

Degree Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Department

Urban and Regional Planning

First Advisor

Frances Edwards

Abstract

Community-based outreach programs have been found to be effective, helping to educate people, and reduce suicide through outreach and peer group support. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has been at the forefront of the battle to reduce suicide through education, fund raising, lobbing, and support efforts to those in need of suicide prevention services, as well as those who have lost someone. One of the ways they have done this is through community walks and fundraising throughout the nation for anyone affected by suicide. These events are called Out of the Darkness Walks, which allow the community to learn about suicide prevention, support those who have lost someone, and allow those who struggle with suicidal issues a way to gain support and acceptance. They provide community walks, campus walks, and overnight walks.

The aim of this study is to see how these proactive and preventive community-based walks help the population in need and at risk. The following research question is the basis of the research. Do the AFSP San Francisco chapters’ Out of the Darkness community walks work as a preventive program to reduce hopelessness?

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