Winthrop University’s first-ever walk for suicide prevention titled, Out of The Darkness is set to take place on March 24, 2023, and has already raised $1,695 toward its $5,000 goal. The event is open to Winthrop students and the public, and was organized in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). And, its goal — to raise awareness of suicide prevention efforts and support those who have been impacted by suicide.
While suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 – 14 and 25 – 34 and is the third leading cause for those between 15-24, Winthrop Outreach Coordinator and Staff Counselor, Jessica Hudgens who is the coordinator of the walk said, “[AFSP] does events across the country. And out of the darkness walks are like one of those signature events that they’ve started to bring on to college campuses, because of the number of suicides that occur on college campuses each year.”
AFSP uses the money raised from events to conduct research on suicide risk factors and protective factors. With exception to the costs of putting on the event, half of what ever is raised will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
“50% actually stays in South Carolina. South Carolina has an American Foundation for Suicide Prevention chapter. And, the money goes there. Then it is distributed to do outreach, do trainings, do events, one of them provides resources for folks on the ground who are struggling with having lost someone.” Hudgens said. “[AFSP has] really high ratings in terms of nonprofits for how they spend their money and keeping their overhead costs down, and really putting the bulk of the money into the research, prevention and outreach.”
Anyone can offer assistance for the event through volunteering, becoming a sponsor, fundraising or promoting the event through social media. And, to make it easier to raise funds and to receive updates, download the DonorDrive Charity Fundraising app.
On the day of the walk, students will be able to stop by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s store for merchandise and pick up beads at the Honor Bead tent where participants are welcome to grab honor beads of different colors to indicate their connection to the cause.
“If you personally have struggled with suicidal ideation and attempts at suicide, you wear one color. If you’ve lost a parent, that’s another color, if you’ve lost a friend, that’s a color. If you’ve lost a sibling or a child, that’s another color,” Hudgens said. “Suicide impacts all of us, and we don’t necessarily recognize that all the time.”
Additionally, the event aims to create a space for conversation about suicide prevention and to let those struggling with suicidal thoughts know that they are not alone. “We’ve been seeing as counselors and faculty and staff across the campus have seen an increase in the number of students who are struggling with this sort of thing,” Hudgens said.
“Part of what we’re hoping to do just by having the walk is create the conversation and create the space for conversation so that folks who are needing that support, who are thinking about killing themselves, thinking about suicide as a serious option, know that there are people in places they can go on campus to connect and get help.”
Student Advocacy and Trauma Support Intern, Lauryn Arnold who has assisted in the planning process of the event, emphasized the importance of mental health in suicide prevention efforts.
“I think it’s so important because our mental health is everything. If you’re in a class, and you’re not doing your best, because you’re affected by mental health, you’re not giving your 100%, it’s going to affect everything you do in your life, whether that be talking to friends, or your family or going to activities. It is so key to have a hold on your mental health, and to reach out for help. Because nobody wants to lose you, whoever that may be in your life.”
Arnold said, “So I think walks like this provide not only resources, because we’ll have Nami there so that people can note The Hut’s there for them to use. But it’s important that we come together as a community, and realize that mental health is so important.”
Winthrop University Health Promotion Coordinator, Rosie Hopkins-Campbell, emphasized the need for continued support for suicide prevention efforts.
“Health Promotion supports Counseling Services in its effort to make the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk an annual event. The walk is an opportunity to remember individuals who are affected by suicide, increase awareness for suicide prevention, and raise funds raises funds to support local and national suicide prevention and mental health awareness organizations.”
“An event like this, relies heavily on the support and participation of others. We encourage students, staff, and faculty who have an interest and passion in mental health advocacy and suicide prevention to get involved by volunteering, donating, or participating in the walk,” Hopkins-Campbell said.
If you are interested in providing assistance or participating in the planning of the walk in the future, contact Jessica Hudgens, the Walk Coordinator, at hudgensj@winthrop.edu.
