In sweltering 96 degree weather,  almost 50 students, facuty, and their children gathered to kick off  the first Annual Suicide Prevention 5k Walk. The walk started in front of the basefield to the left of the Lumpkin Center on main campus. To complete the walk, participants had to cover a circular loop of the entire campus, twice.

 After the first lap, participants gathered around the water table for snacks, drinks, and a moment to catch their breath. “ I was going to the gym,” said Mitch Turner, a senior, “ but I saw people running and I decided to join in.” Another participant, Taylor Elston, a grad student, signed up earlier in the day and was motivated by the message, “It’s a good cause and a cause worth running for.”

   Les Anderson, a freshman and one of 13 volunteers, described the volunteer process as “super easy.” She noticed the email sign up through the Counseling Center and was motivated to sign up. “My friend passed away from suicide a year ago, so this topic is close to me,” Anderson shared.

   Oula Weaver, a therapist at the Counseling Center and a Suicide Prevention coordinator, gave a little more insight to the walk. September is the National Suicide Prevention Month. The counseling center has lead an initative, Cougars End Suicide, that organized this walk to spread suicide prevention on campus. Suicide prevention can be  possible if everyone educates themselves on mental health issues, suiciadal signs, and caring about each other and those that may be in distress. Weaver hopes to do this event next year and also include other organizations on campus.

   If you or someone you know is having a difficult time or just needs someone to talk to, the Counseling Center is available to all CSU students. The office is located on the third floor of the Schuster building.