Crystal Run Healthcare’s Psychiatry Division Leads Out of the Darkness Community Walk
Drs. Nicholas and Lisa Batson of the Psychiatry Division at Crystal Run Healthcare once again led the Practice’s team in participating in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Community Walk in September, held at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery, NY. Prior to the event, Crystal Run held a practice-wide dress down day along with several bake sales and basket raffles where employees personally donated money to help raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention. In total, $4,020.75 was raised by Crystal Run Healthcare employees and the team’s online fundraiser and was donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. To date, Crystal Run employees have raised over $20,000 for the Foundation and this year marks the 5th consecutive year of the Practice’s participation in the Out of the Darkness Walk.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the trailblazer in the fight against suicide and is at the forefront of research, education and prevention initiatives to reduce the loss of life from suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 44,000 American lives lost each year, an alarming statistic that is on the rise. Now, more than ever, the importance of the AFSP’s mission to reverse the trend of suicide increasing has never been greater.
“On September 22nd, employees, friends, and family members walked for suicide prevention in the Out of Darkness Walk at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery. With a total of $4,020.75 donated and fundraised, the Crystal Run Healthcare team came back on top and met our goal of leading the walk as the top fundraiser. The family game night basket fundraiser was a hit! These funds help to support suicide prevention programs, unite those who have been affected by suicide, and promote mental health education in communities. Thank you so much to all who participated and we look forward to walking next year!” said Lisa Batson, MD, Crystal Run Healthcare’s Psychiatry Division Co-Leader.