More than 100 community members and students braved the cold on March 29, 2014, to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
This was Hiram College’s first annual Out of the Darkness Walk, sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Hiram’s chapter of Active Minds organized the walk in conjunction with “Green Week,” which featured a week of campus programming on mental health. The group raised more than $6,000, surpassing their goal of $5,000, to support suicide prevention and awareness initiatives.
The life changes college students face over a span of four years can take a staggering toll on mental health, and it’s something rarely discussed amongst the student body. The Active Minds officers hope last week’s programming will start conversations and relieve the stigma that mental health is shameful and “hush-hush.”
State Rep. Marlene Anielski of Walton Hills and Associate Professor of Biology Cara Constance gave remarks at the conclusion of the walk.
Donations can be made in support of the walk through June 30, 2014.
All photos by Alan Fink ’17. View a full set on Flickr.
