The seventh annual Out of the Darkness campus walk for suicide prevention awareness will take place at Clemson University on Saturday, April 2. Event registration is set to begin at Tillman Hall at 11 a.m., followed by the walk at noon adjacent to Bowman Field.
Within Healthy Campus, Tigers Together is the University’s suicide prevention initiative. Its primary purpose is to prevent suicide by decreasing risk factors, enhancing protective factors, facilitating gatekeeper workshops, reducing stigma and creating an overall community of caring for the Clemson family.
Advocacy training has been provided to numerous departments and organizations on campus throughout the academic year. Trainings include review of college suicide statistics, myths and warning signs, appropriate referrals to mental health professionals, communication, relationship-building skills, experiential exercises and group role play.
“Our goal is to spread awareness of what is currently the second-leading cause of death among 18- to 22-year-olds in the United States,” said Delana Reynolds, assistant director for suicide prevention and mental health initiatives with Healthy Campus. “Mental health must be looked upon with equal importance to physical health and we want to continue to bring hope to those affected by suicide.”
The walk has been coordinated by student groups over the years. Mindset, an independent student organization, has been instrumental in this year’s planning. Mindset’s mission is to provide a safe space for students to discuss, educate and support initiatives related to mental health.