On September 17, ETSU’s Counseling Center and Student Wellness led a walk near the CPA to remember those affected by suicide and raise awareness about prevention.
Students gathered in front of the CPA at 7 p.m. on Friday for a brief walk followed by speaker Dan Bishop, director of Veterans Affairs. Students were then invited to join a candlelight vigil to honor and remember those affected by suicide.
Assistant Director of Student Wellness, Halie Darby said, “This event is important because suicide is the second leading cause of death in college-age individuals, and the Counseling Center and Student Wellness would like to share the message that there is hope and you are not alone.”
ETSU values its students and their health, both mental and physical, which is why it is important to bring events like this to campus and make resources available. It is important for students to know they are not alone and can always find help on campus.
This year was the first time Student Wellness has hosted the event and they hope to continue similar events throughout the year.
“Student Wellness is a new unit on campus and, although similar events have been provided on campus in the past, this is the first Walk for Hope hosted by Student Wellness,” Darby said.
For many attended this was an emotional event to take part in. Speaker Bishop shared his experience of losing a fellow service member to suicide and how that affected him. Students then lit candles to remember all those affected.
“Although we are joining together today for Walk for Hope, this event is just the start of further campus-wide collaborations and conversations surrounding wellness, mental health and suicide prevention. We hope to continue to create a culture of wellbeing on campus through future Student Wellness events,” Darby said.
