Mental health awareness has become a more widely-discussed issue in the world this year, especially after the loss of several public figures to suicide. People across the world and here at home in Alabama have taken it upon themselves to openly discuss mental illnesses and sensitive topics like suicide prevention. Local Cassidy Cullum is one woman who has taken this cause under her wing and is trying to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

“September marks six years that I lost my mother to suicide. The past several years I have become more involved in raising awareness and funds for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention,” Cullum said.

Cullum has created a Facebook group called Breaking the Silence, through which nearly 800 people have connected and are working together to make a difference.

According to Cullum, Breaking the Silence has raised $700 so far for the cause.

“We are coming together as a community to break the silence and raise awareness for suicide prevention,” she said. “We want to let others know that we support them. This cause is so close to so many, and so many people are affected directly and indirectly.”

Approximately 123 people are lost every day to suicide, according to the AFSP.

An Out of Darkness walk Oct. 28 at Florence High School will raise awareness about suicide prevention. Registration will start at 1 p.m., and the walk will follow at 2 p.m.