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K-State Today

September 2, 2022

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Submitted by Shawn Funk

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, with 45,979 deaths in 2020. This is about one death every 11 minutes. The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicide.

The Morrison Family Center for Student Well-being is bringing several events to campus to draw more attention to the devastating health crisis. On Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 6:30 p.m., Sam Eaton will speak in Forum Hall. Eaton found his world slipping away and, in a moment of extreme clarity, made the terrifying decision to stay and chase a life that is fully and recklessly alive. This event is free and open to the public.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 6 and 7, the Thrive Navigators, the well-being and mental health departmental student organization, will be at Bosco Student Plaza each day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students, faculty and staff are invited to sign a banner to signal they are an ally for individuals struggling with their mental health. The banner will be at K-State Salina on Thursday, Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the College Center lobby. While supplies last, a green "I will listen, I will support, I will guide" T-shirt will be given to those who sign the banner. T-shirts are sponsored by Ascension Via Christi and Mercy Community Health Foundation. Commerce Bank also provided funding for National Suicide Prevention Awareness events.

Friday, Sept. 9, is a campuswide greenout. Wear green to show that you care about mental health.