April 05, 2018

Suicide prevention walk and events at SIU to raise awareness and money

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 15-34 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but Southern Illinois University Carbondale wants to help change that.

The university is hosting a walk to raise awareness and in support of suicide prevention along with a special suicide prevention event and film. All events are free and open to everyone.

Learn how to spot warning signs for suicide and take action

The “Talk Saves Lives” event is set for 5:30-6:30 p.m. on April 10 at the Student Center’s Illinois River Room. Those attending will learn risk factors and warning signs of suicide and steps they can take to help prevent suicide.

Suicide “gatekeeper” training is included and refreshments will be served.

Space is limited so those planning to attend should RSVP to beth.morrison@siu.edu.

See the ‘Ripple Effect’ of suicide on others

Afterward, the film “Suicide: The Ripple Effect” will air in Ballroom D at the Student Center.

At the age of 19, Kevin Hines tried to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. The movie shows the impact his suicide attempt had on others and tells of his subsequent work as a mental health advocate.

Hines will also speak about his experience and helping people at risk.

Register at www.Centerstone.org/RippleEffect to attend the free showing.

Walk ‘Out of the Darkness’ to raise money for suicide prevention efforts

SIU then joins a nationwide momentum in hosting the SIU Carbondale Out of the Darkness Campus Walk on April 14. Registration is at 4:30 p.m. at the front entrance of the Student Center and the walk is from 5 to 7 p.m.

The walk, organized by the Salukis on Your Side campus suicide prevention program in conjunction with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, serves a myriad of purposes:

  • raise awareness of suicide’s terrible impact;
  • support survivors who have suffered loss due to suicide; and
  • raise money for research, educational programs and public policy advocacy.

Register in advance at www.afsp.org/siu.

Sponsors help support Out of the Darkness Walk and events

Sponsorship for the walk and programming comes from:

  • SIU’s Student Health Services,
  • Salukis on Your Side campus suicide prevention program,
  • Active Minds registered student organization,
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,
  • Out of the Darkness Campus Walks,
  • Centerstone, and
  • Egyptian Health Department.

Local restaurants donate proceeds to suicide prevention

In addition, a couple of local businesses are helping.

Don Sol Mexican Grill will contribute 12 percent of food sales between 11 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. on April 20 to the Out of the Darkness Walk.

McAlister’s Deli also contributed a portion of food sales on April 3.

For more information, contact Angela Peterman at 618/536-4441 or angela.peterman@siu.edu.