09/23/2026
Please help us spread the word & join us for this unique & positive event to help crush the stigma around talking about su***de.
Join us & bring the whole family for our 4th annual Out of the Silence Su***de Awareness & Prevention Walk & Community Event at AC Reynolds High School. This event is the ONLY event of its kind in the greater Asheville area & is open to all community members, schools, & community groups.
More about Out of the Silence:
💜Purpose: to address one of the top 3 causes of death in young people ages 10-29. Attempts are made by elementary school aged children, so it is never to soon destigmatize the topic
🩵How: we break the ice for you at this event, and provide you with not only ways to talk, but materials to take home & incorporate into your family care plan at your own pace
💚Who: Everyone is welcome at this free event, & we love to see groups & other schools join in
💛Why: We started the walk after losing 2 Rockets in 2023, as well as a Rocket family member. We found misplaced fear around talking about their loss. Research clearly shows talking about su***de reduces harm, so we felt compelled.
What to expect…
🧁Enjoy snacks, refreshments, temporary tattoos, face painting, crafts & more before the walk.
🏥Speak with local mental health professionals & pick up resources before & after the walk on topics such as su***de prevention, mental health, anxiety, depression, panic attacks & more. Meet our speakers, too
🖼️Work on an art project with us before the event, & other activities to keep younger children entertained.
🤾♂️ Families with young children welcome to stay down ground level during speakers, if your littles need to wiggle
🚪Enter at the front of the school, including strollers & wheelchair accessibility
🗣️Our speakers are engaging, informative & uplifting including a student, a parent & Dr Rhonda Karg
🥁Enjoy music during the event, along with positive messaging to keep the event inspirational & uplifting
❓Reach out to text/call 828-301-5615 or [email protected]
🚌Have questions for ACRHS, call Lauren Ward, Social Worker at 828-298-7665
Schedule…
3:30pm ACRHS Students set up and social time.
4:00pm ACRHS Students Snacks, Drinks, tattoos, face painting, crafts & more
4:30pm OPEN TO PUBLIC, info, bracelets, resource tables, music, all activities above, & counselors available
5:30pm Speakers Begin: Student Speaker, Parent Speaker Leah Madamba, & Mental Health Speaker, Dr Rhonda Karg
6pm Walk & Band Plays
6:10-6:30pm Resource tables remain open with mental health professionals available
Want to volunteer? Click the Signup Genius link below.
Are you a school, PTO, youth group or organization looking to participate, collaborate or attend? Contact [email protected] to reach Joy Roger’s, VP of Advocacy
***deAwareness