Mason City, IA---One of the statistics heard at the gathering before the walk started today was every 40 seconds someone in the world dies from suicide.
But the group gathering at Southbridge Mall in Mason City for the Out of the Darkness: Walk to Prevent Suicide event is trying to change that.
The walk was put on by United Way of North Central Iowa.
It's for friends and families of loved ones who have taken their own life to help raise awarenss of mental health issues like depression.
Event coordinator, Wendy Balles, says "We walk to honor our loved ones many of us have lost someone to cuicide, including me. It's been seven years since i lost my brother. We just want to honor them, and let people know this is a public health issue."
Balles, says she would like to grow form last year's turnout.
She is hoping for more than 200 people to register.
The group started the walk in the plaza downtown by releasing balloons, then was walking three miles on state street.
