Monroe County has recently had some of Florida's highest rates of suicide. With the numbers increasing nationally and locally, people in the Keys are stepping up to prevent more deaths.
"And so our family walks for him and for everyone because we are touched by it more than we ever should be, in so many ways," she said.
Amber Archer Acevedo wears a blue tshirt that says "Shecky's team" and has a locket with his photo around her neck. Shecky is her brother, Glynn Archer III. He died by suicide more than three years ago.
Fifteen members of her family took part in Monroe County's fourth annual Out of Darkness walk on Sunday in Marathon. Organizer Mary Lou Hoover said the event raised more than $30,000 this year, to put toward suicide prevention efforts.
Monroe County usually has one of the highest rates of suicide in the state — and this year, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the number has gone even higher.
Jackie Patterson was with a group of friends and family from Key Largo. Her son Joey died by suicide in 2016. He was 13 years old.
Her support team of friends and family help her get through, moment by moment, she said. She hopes the march and other awareness efforts will help prevent more deaths and the pain that loved ones endure afterwards.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you can call 800-273-8255 for help or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org online.
