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URI hosts Out of the Darkness Walk on April 18 to raise mental health awareness

The third annual walk will be held on URI’s Quad, rain location Mackal Gymnasium

Volunteers working the bead booth, providing information about their meanings and showing support (Courtesy of Kerrie Constant)

KINGSTON, R.I. – April 7, 2026 – The University of Rhode Island is set to hold the third annual Out of the Darkness 5K Walk to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention on April 18, on the URI Quad. Check in is at 9:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:30 a.m.  

Inspired by the work that the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention was doing in Rhode Island, URI graduate Peyton Cahill reached out to volunteer with the organization. After taking part in community outreach and volunteering at several walks in northern Rhode Island, Cahill was motivated to bring a campus walk to Kingston and reached out to URI Health Services/Health Promotion who helped lead the walk for the past two years. This year, Bonnie Jacob in the Facilities Group and Pamela Plucinski in the College of Nursing stepped into leadership as staff co-chairs of the event.

Attendees are seen walking around Mackal Gymnasium, wearing pins and beads of support. (Courtesy of Kerrie Constant)

“The walk is not only for those who may be struggling, but for everyone to be able to gain a greater awareness and understanding of the role mental health plays in overall health, what the signs are if somebody is struggling, and how to help,” said Plucinski. “Everybody can play a part in supporting mental health.” 

This year’s walk will be held on the Kingston Campus Quad and community partners will be available to share resources, offer guidance and provide solidarity for those who are struggling or may know someone who is struggling. There is no cost to register for the walk and participants are not required to raise funds to take part. Participants who raise $100 will receive an official Campus Walk t-shirt. Last year, over 100 students and community members took part and raised over $12,000. 

Prior to the walk, attendees will be able to participate in a number of activities. There will be a banner for attendees to leave positive messages, therapy dogs, music, snacks, as well as specific mental health resources for those looking for information or support. Various student organizations and Greek Life will also be at the event showing their support. 

Walkers will be able to show their support by wearing honor beads which represent varying connections to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Everyone present will receive blue honor beads, to show overall support. Other beads may represent the loss of a child, friend, parent, sibling, first responder or other loved one, a personal struggle, or connection with the LGBTQIA+ community.

“You could be there, not know someone and see them wearing similar beads as you,” said Kerrie Constant, area director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “It is reassuring to know that you are not alone and have a connection to the cause. It helps to build awareness and show support for everyone.”

“Everyone has periods where they may feel as though they are struggling. If you are struggling, there is absolutely no shame in reaching out or asking for help,” added Jacob. “Seeking help is a strength and is actually one of the best things you can do for yourself. And as a friend or supporter who wants to help, it is also important to know where to turn.”

To register for the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk, visit: www.afsp.org/URI.  Volunteers are also welcome and may register via the site.  

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 988 or go to 988lifeline.org. The URI Counseling Center offers free, confidential mental health and well-being support to URI students. More information is available at uri.edu/counseling/ or by calling 401-874-2288. The University also provides 24-hour support via Telus Health. For URI faculty and staff, free, confidential assistance is available through the Employee Assistance Program. URI’s Couple and Family Therapy Clinic and the Psychological Consultation Center, also provide mental health services.

This story was written by Kiera Wrage, a senior majoring in public relations at the University of Rhode Island. Kiera is interning in URI’s Department of Communications and Marketing.