Students from Old Dominion University’s Hillel, led by Dr. Amy Milligan, proudly participated in the school’s annual Out of the Darkness Walk, a national movement in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on Sunday, April 27. The event is part of a broader effort taking place across the country, bringing together thousands of people united by a mission to save lives and offer hope to those affected by suicide.
This year, ODU Hillel’s team was joined by members of Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, as well as by other members of the Jewish community, who came out to walk in solidarity with the students. Their presence underscored the importance of community support and emphasized the role that Jewish organizations play in promoting mental health awareness and healing. As part of the walk’s message, participants wore beads to represent their personal connections to the cause—whether they’ve lost someone to suicide, struggle with their own mental health, or walk to support a loved one.
The walk also served as a prelude to Mental Health Awareness Month, observed nationwide in May. It’s a time to open dialogue, reduce stigma, and encourage those struggling to seek help.
Bringing conversations about mental health into the open can break the stigma and save lives.