It’s a nice community stroll designed to shed light on a painful problem.

The second annual Out of the Darkness Suicide Awareness Walk will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, in Cody.

“When you walk in the Out of the Darkness Community Walks, you join the effort with thousands of people to raise funds and awareness for AFSP’s vision to create a world without suicide,” the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention states on its website.

Two other walks are scheduled in Evanston and Sheridan the same day.

Those contemplating suicide are in a very dark place.

“It’s like looking at life through a straw,” said Rachel Williams, the Park County office community prevention professional for the Prevention Management Organization of Wyoming. “Everything is dark around them.”

The second annual darkness walk in Cody plays a huge role in raising awareness and notifying those contemplating suicide that they’re not alone and help is available, Williams said.

Judy Ruffing of Powell, volunteering again this year, has a personal stake in the walk. Her son, Brian, committed suicide nearly two years ago.

People never believe their loved one or friend will commit suicide.

“People just don’t talk about suicide,” Ruffing said.

The event begins at 11 a.m. Walkers start at City Park in downtown Cody, walk east on Sheridan Avenue to 17th Street, head south one block and turn west to return to the park via Beck Avenue.

Walkers must be registered by 2 p.m., Sept. 5. To register go to afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=2963 or call 307-578-7029.

Check-in time begins at 9 a.m. Saturday.

There is no charge to walk, but walker or walker/team sponsors are requested to help raise money for suicide awareness. Anyone can make donations the morning of the walk. Walkers that raise $150 or more earn an Out of Darkness T-shirt, Williams said.

Last year’s walk raised $10,000. All proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for suicide prevention and education, Williams said.

Health care provider booths at the park are welcome. There is no charge, but stalls must be physical or mental health-related. Musical performers are requested too. Give Williams a call at 307-250-5008 or email her at rwilliams@pmowyo.org, she said.

West Park Hospital will provide free bag lunches for walkers, Williams said.

Volunteers are needed at the registration table, safety/medical support, to hand out sack lunches to participants after the walk, for tired walker transport, at the water station and to set up prior to the event.

The walk planning committee is meeting at noon Tuesday at 2206 Sheridan Ave., Suite A in Cody. Volunteers are welcome and lunch will be provided, Williams said.

Wyoming and Montana have the highest rate of suicide per capita in the United States, Ruffing said.

In 2012, there were 163 suicides in Wyoming. That includes 12 in Park County. Although the official count is not yet in, it appears there were 12 suicides in Park County again last year, Williams said.

People must not be stigmatized for having suicidal thoughts. They should be treated the same as any physically ill patient.

“It’s a medical emergency,” Williams said.

Her son was depressed, withdrawn and abusing alcohol. For those contemplating suicide they believe there is no hope. They fail to realize the positive impact they have on others, Ruffing said.

Warning signs include lack of personal hygiene, withdrawal from family or friends, giving away personal possessions or statements such as, “I can’t go on,” Williams said.

Still, it is difficult to ask an individual if they are contemplating suicide, especially if it is a loved one. “It takes an act of courage to ask the question,” Williams said. “That’s where training comes in.”

Williams is teaching schools and businesses suicide prevention education. Businesses and organizations can call her at 307-578-7029 for training, Williams said.

For those pondering suicide, get help. Contact your nearest hospital emergency room or Yellowstone Behavioral Health Center at 307-754-5687 or 307-587-2197. It is staffed around the clock.

You also can call the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.