Megan Reich – Staff Writer
Candles will be lit to honor who fight against suicide and suicidal thoughts Sept. 12.
The candlelighting is just one activity to highlight Nation Suicide Prevention month. To create awareness, the University has compiled a list of events happening throughout the month in order for students to get involved with mental health.
Mental health screenings will be available throughout the month, along with Gatekeepers training and a suicide risk assessment workshop.
One of the highlights of the month is the showing of the documentary “It’s Real: College Students and Mental Health” and a candlelight vigil being held directly after.
The Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the University of Wyoming Amanda Matthews said this documentary is a demonstration of “the variety of mental illness” that can occur in college students today. The documentary provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention follows six college students struggling with different types of mental illness and demonstrates the importance of mental health awareness.
This documentary will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 12 in Half Acre Recreational Center. Following the documentary showing there will be a candlelight vigil in Simpson Plaza to honor those who have fallen victim to suicide and who have struggled with suicidal thoughts or actions.
This event is part of the UW Life-Savers Initiative Grant that was given to the university in order to raise awareness for mental health at college campuses. For assistance, call the Laramie Suicide Prevention Hotline (307)977-7777 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1(800)-273-8255.
The National Suicide Prevention/Awareness Month events are:
Monday, Sept. 9-Sunday, Sept. 15: Coe Library book and resource display, second floor of Coe Library.
Tuesday, Sept. 10-Thursday, Oct. 10: “Cycle Around the Globe” event.
Wednesday, Sept. 11: Student mental health screening. Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center, 6-7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 12: Student mental health screening, Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center, 6-7 p.m.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) “It’s Real” documentary. Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center, Room 115, 7 p.m.
Candle lighting/moment of silence, immediately following the AFSP documentary screening, candles will be provided. Simpson Plaza, 7:45-8 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 18: Gatekeepers training. Wyoming Union, Room 202, 10 a.m.-noon.
Wednesday, Sept. 25: Student mental health screening, Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center, 6-7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 26: Student mental health screening, Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center, 6-7 p.m.
Mondays, Sept. 30-Oct. 21: “Big Sky Mindfulness,” registration required, click here. Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center, Room 117, 3:30-4:50 p.m.
