The Latest: Alaskans walk in yearly suicide-prevention walk

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Latest on Suicide Prevention Walk (all times local):

11:20 a.m.

Alaskans are participating in a yearly community walk in the state’s largest city to raise awareness about suicide.

The 3-mile walk Saturday in downtown Anchorage is part of the annual fundraising “Out of the Darkness” walks held nationwide by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The Alaska chapter organized Saturday’s walk, as well as recent walks in Palmer and Fairbanks.

Chapter board chair Dennis Lasley says more than 700 people are participating in the Anchorage event.

Alaska consistently ranks among the highest in the nation in suicides, particularly among Alaska Natives. The state ranked second in 2014, the most recent 50-state data available.

The foundation says suicides are the leading cause of death in Alaska among people between the ages of 15 and 24.

___

Midnight Alaskans will participate in a yearly community walk in the state’s largest city Saturday to raise awareness about suicide.

The 3-mile walk in downtown Anchorage is part of the annual fundraising “Out of the Darkness” walks held nationwide by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The Alaska chapter organized Saturday’s walk, as well as recent walks in Palmer and Fairbanks.

Chapter board chair Dennis Lasley says more than 500 people signed up by mid-Friday morning. Participants often show up at the last minute.

Alaska consistently ranks among the highest in the nation in suicides, particularly among Alaska Natives, ranking second in 2014, the most recent 50-state data available.

The foundation says suicides are the leading cause of death in Alaska among people between the ages of 15 and 24.