Long Beach, NY - September 2, 2016 - September is National Suicide Awareness Prevention Month and Long Island Crisis Center will be holding its 8th Annual “Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk … Stepping Together to Prevent Suicide” event on September 18th on the Long Beach Boardwalk at Laurelton Blvd. to observe it.

Suicide, a leading cause of death in the United States, increased by 24% from 1999 to 2014, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  This increase was seen in both men and women and across all ages.   For young people (ages 13 – 24), it is the second leading cause of death.

“For the last seven years, The Walk has been Long Island’s culminating Suicide Prevention Awareness Month event,” explains Executive Director, Linda Leonard.  “In what’s become a yearly tradition for many, The Walk allows people from across Long Island – young and old – to come together, to walk together and to spread this lifesaving message:  ‘It’s Okay to Ask for Help’.  And, in light of the startling statistics, suicide prevention has to be a community effort.”

Commenting on the growing popularity of The Walk among the community, Director of Development, Fran Karliner, notes: “The Walk is a hopeful event – it reminds us that we can work together to prevent suicide on Long Island.  And, it raises awareness of the resources and support available here on Long Island.”

Online registration for “Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk …” is available at here.  On-site registration will take place on September 18th, starting at 10:30 am. at the Long Beach Boardwalk and Laurelton Blvd.  For more information, please call 516-826-0244.