La Roche University is hosting an Out of the Darkness Walk to bring awareness to suicide prevention and raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The walk is scheduled for April 22 at 6 p.m. at the school’s McCandless campus.
“The idea is to bring people together over mental health issues that have affected many of us,” said Steven Munshower, a La Roche student who is co-chairing the event. “It’s an event with a supportive community unified under the same cause to prevent suicide and foster wellness.”
The walk is free and open to the public, though participants can donate to the AFSP when they register for the event online.
The event’s website shows they have raised just over $2,200 of their $5,000 goal as of Thursday morning.
“The event allows us to bring people together and reassure them that their life is precious,” said Aaran Brabson, a La Roche student who is co-chairing the walk with Munshower.
The Out of the Darkness Campus Walks are the AFSP’s signature fundraising series, aiming to engage young adults in the fight to prevent suicide. AFSP funds research, spreads education and provides support for those affected by suicide.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 15-24.
This event comes as the university last year entered a four-year partnership with JED Campus to enhance and expand mental health services at the school. JED Campus, a program of the JED Foundation, offers customized support that enables schools to build upon existing mental health, substance use and suicide prevention efforts.
La Roche’s walk will begin with check-in and pre-walk activities at 5 p.m. on Bold Hall lawn, followed by an opening ceremony at 6 p.m.
