Raising Awareness for Suicide Prevention

“Events like this remind us that we are not alone and together, we can bring light to the darkness,” Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling

(Atlanta, GA – November 2025)  A team of volunteers from the DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office laced up their sneakers and joined thousands of neighbors, friends, colleagues, and community members at Piedmont Park in Atlanta for the “Out of the Darkness Walk.”  The annual event, held on Sunday, November 2, was organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Georgia Chapter.

This year’s walk drew nearly 2,700 participants to raise awareness, honor loved ones, and support suicide prevention efforts. DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling said, “We all know someone who has suffered and maybe suffered in silence. It’s important to bring awareness, whether it’s affected you personally or in the workplace.”

For many, suicide prevention is a cause close to the heart, and for Betsy Weintraub, Director of Legal Policy and Training for the DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office, it’s also deeply personal.

“I walk mostly because I want to raise awareness about attorney suicide,” said Weintraub. “There is a prevalent issue of attorney suicide related to stress in our profession, and I lost my best friend to suicide on January 16, 2013. I started walking and volunteering with the foundation to honor her and to make sure others know they are not alone.”

Weintraub spearheaded the Solicitor-General’s Office team efforts, helping raise nearly $2,000 to support AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. According to AFSP, participating teams have collectively raised more than $408,000 toward the $600,000 goal, with donations still ongoing.

 The Solicitor-General’s Office team walked in partnership with the State Bar of Georgia’s “Georgia Lawyers Living Well” program, a wellness initiative promoting mental, physical, and social well-being within the legal community.

Solicitor-General Coleman-Stribling praised the State Bar of Georgia for its proactive role in promoting wellness within the legal community. She said, “I’m excited the State Bar of Georgia has taken such a strong role in recognizing that challenges exist in all aspects of life. Their leadership shows that caring for one another’s mental health is part of building a stronger profession.”

Betsy Weintraub has been participating in the walk for years but says compassionate leadership in the Solicitor-General’s Office is the reason she created their team for the “Out of the Darkness Walk.” She said, the show of support from her colleagues was deeply meaningful, and when asked about participation, Betsy said Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling gave her an immediate resounding yes.

“It’s really great to see all these people aware of the issue and to have the support of not only my boss but so many in our office who donated, showed up, or wanted to be there,” Weintraub said. “It makes you feel less alone because it can be a very isolating thing to go through.”

Both Weintraub and Solicitor-General Coleman-Stribling emphasized the importance of addressing mental health in our communities and assuring everyone has access to suicide prevention resources.

“It’s so important that people understand how serious the issue is because I didn’t when it happened to me. You don’t want to be in that position…not knowing what to do or where to turn for help after such a loss,” added Weintraub.

“We can make an impact by letting people know we’re here for them and that there are resources available,” said Solicitor-General Coleman-Stribling.

The annual “Out of the Darkness Walk” is the organization’s signature fundraising event. It brings together thousands of participants to raise funds for suicide prevention research, education, advocacy, and support for survivors of suicide loss. To learn more, visit afspwalks.donordrive.com/Atlanta.

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About the Out of the Darkness Walks

For many, the introduction to AFSP comes through the Out of the Darkness Walks, taking place in cities nationwide. In our Community, Campus, and Overnight Walks, those affected by suicide – and those who support them – raise awareness and much-needed funds, strongly sending the message that suicide can be prevented, and that no one is alone. To learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or to access resources, visit afsp.org.

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Continuing the Conversation

The DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote wellness, compassion, and community connection, both within the legal profession and throughout DeKalb County.

“Events like this remind us that we are not alone and that together, we can bring light to the darkness,” Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling said.

To learn more about the DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office led by Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling, visit dekalbsolicitorgeneral.com.

For more information about the Georgia Lawyers Living Well Program, visit the State Bar of Georgia’s wellness initiative. R. Javoyne Hicks is the Chair of the State Bar of Georgia’s Lawyers Living Well Program, which is now part of the Center for Lawyer Wellbeing. She is also the Treasurer for the State Bar of Georgia.

gabar.org/programs/lawyer-wellbeing/center-for-lawyer-wellbeing