Counseling and Disability Services at Southeast is helping to sponsor events addressing awareness and prevention of suicide, among the leading causes of death in the United States, during the week of Sept. 10 to 14.

The week’s events aim to educate participants who want to learn, be an advocate and show support about suicide prevention awareness. Those involved will learn the tools used for prevention, breaking the stigma and starting a conversation.

“Most of us, at this point in our society, have been affected by suicide whether it’s a loved one or a favorite Hollywood star,” said Donna St. Sauver, coordinator for the campus violence prevention program. “It’s important for us to talk about it.”

The Mental Wellness Resource Fair will kick off the weeks prevention awareness from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 10 at the University Center. The new addition to the week’s events will host a number of university and community vendors for students to gather information and resources.

New and continued events prove to be vital in connecting students with prevention resources.

A training clinic will be held at the Scully building where veteran services, Community Counseling Center and Gibson Recovery Center will also be represented.

“Suicidal thoughts are often the result of untreated, or undiagnosed mental health concerns,” director of Counseling and Disability Services, Torie Grogan said. “We want to ensure students have access to treatment options both on and off campus should they be in need of mental health support.”

In addition to Monday’s activities, Southeast sorority Alpha Phi will offer an outreach program called ‘Trash Your Insecurity,’ where participants will toss their insecurities in return for kind messages. The Redhawk Health educators, a student organization, will promote #WishingWellness for students to encourage prevention awareness. The activity offered will allow participants to post a positive message in an area on campus.

The opportunity for students to build their own de-stress kits will be provided by the Redhawk Health Educators on Sept. 12. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the University Center lobby. Students will be able to fill a box with free promotional items such as stress balls in efforts to combat tension and stress.

Question. Persuade. Refer. Suicide Prevention Training will be offered from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at the University Center Redhawks Room. The interactive training directed by Grogan will provide participants with the tools to recognize warning signs of suicide and to put into action a plan for preventing suicide.

“Promoting suicide prevention week is important to reduce the stigma surrounding seeking support for mental health concerns,” Grogan said.

Suicide prevention events draw to a close with the release of eco-friendly dove-shaped balloons to honor those who have been affected by suicide. The release will take place at noon on the steps of Academic Hall.

For more information or help, students can contact Counseling and Disability Services at (573) 986-6191 to schedule appointments. After-hours crisis services are available on campus by contacting the Department of Public Safety at (573) 651-2215. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-273-TALK. There are also Crisis Text line Services available by texting HOME to 741741.