Suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals from 15 to 24 years of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2013.

The women of Delta Sigma Theta will host an annual walk that will educate people on the worldwide issue.

"[Delta Sigma Theta] originally chose the event because we were looking to shine light on something that really doesn't get talked about and we feel that it's a very prevalent issue today," Southeast junior Jas Lewis said.

Suicide is the leading cause of death amongst college students and accounts for more deaths than cancer, heart disease, birth defects, AIDS and chronic lung disease combined.

According to senior Delta Sigma Theta member Ashley Bankston, the city of Cape Girardeau has a annual walk to advocate and educate the city about this worldwide epidemic, but the event doesn't always reach Southeast Missouri State University due to students' lack of knowledge about city events.

"We really wanted to bring this walk and informational event on campus and allow for college students to see first hand the opportunity to go to the walk and see exactly what it's about," Bankston said. "We have speakers come out who have family members go through this, so it's not just an opportunity to walk for the cause but to hear people's stories who have been affected by suicide as well."

While this walk is focused primarily on providing information to college students, suicide is a prevalent topic for all age groups and Delta Sigma Theta wants the entire campus to be involved in addition to residents of Cape Girardeau.

The Community Counseling Center of Cape Girardeau has been supportive throughout the planning of this event and some members plan to be present to provide additional information and insight on suicide.

Other organizations that assisted with this initial walk includes Southeast's Counseling and Disability Services, Diversity Peer Educators and To Write Love on Her Arms.

Lewis hopes that in addition to educating and advocating on the topic of suicide, the event will provide insight on the warning signs of depression and suicide.

Bankston added that this event will provide additional assistance for people that have considered suicide or are currently going through a time of stress, letting them know they aren't alone in their current situation.

"Even if you are thinking about [suicide] and haven't really said anything, it allows you to see that you are not alone," Bankston said. "So the fact that we can come together and unify, that's what we are really striving for on this campus."

The Suicide Prevention Walk is scheduled to occur at 10 a.m Saturday April 25. Pre-registration is suggested and is available at afsp.com.

Additional information about the event can be found on the Southeast "Out of Darkness Campus Walk" page on Facebook.