Annual suicide prevention walk brings Albuquerque community together
Albuquerque’s ‘Out of the Darkness Walk’ at Civic Plaza provided a space for families and friends to grieve, connect and raise awareness about suicide prevention.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
On Saturday, people in Albuquerque gathered at Civic Plaza for the annual “Out of the Darkness Walk” to honor loved ones lost to suicide and raise awareness during National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
The New Mexico Department of Health says suicide is one of the leading causes of death for all ages in the state. The event offered attendees a space to connect, grieve and openly discuss a topic that many struggle with in silence.
Yolanda Cuarenta, who lost her brother to suicide unexpectedly, shared her experience.
“My brother was so happy and an outgoing person. [It] never once ever crossed our mind that that was something that was going to happen,” Cuarenta said. “Just know that you’re not alone, you’re loved, you’re important, and you leave behind so many people that just need you here.”
According to the New Mexico Department of Health, the state’s suicide rate dropped by 19% between 2024 and 2025. However, suicide remains the second leading cause of death for New Mexico youth ages 12 to 17.
Event leaders and attendees stressed the importance of year-round advocacy for suicide prevention.
“This event is called ‘Out of the Darkness,’ and it’s really to bring people out into the light and show that they’re not alone when a loss has happened,” said Alix Herrera, board chair for the New Mexico Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The event featured custom, stick-on signs that allowed participants to name and honor their loved ones.
A mother walking in honor of her daughter who died by suicide described her as “a loving daughter, a great sister.”
“She was my best friend,” she said when asked about her daughter.
A coach walking with her cheer team emphasized the importance of mental health awareness.
“Mental health is everywhere. It doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter what age, race you are, it’s always going to be there,” she said.
For those honoring a daughter, a father, a brother, or a best friend, the walk served as a reminder that even after an unimaginable loss, no one has to face the darkness alone.
