Rowan to host 5th annual Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk April 24

Even before the stress and isolation of Covid-19 compounded mental health issues for millions of Americans, and many millions more around the world, suicide was among the leading causes of death among college students.

To combat the tragedy of campus suicide, and to help bring light to a widespread issue, Rowan University this Saturday, April 24th, will host its 5^th annual Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk. 

“As we acknowledge the difficulties and loses Rowan has faced the past year and a half, we want to also acknowledge the sheer strength the Rowan Community has - joining together this weekend to continue breaking the stigmas surrounding mental health,” said Brittany Auleta, coordinator for Healthy Campus Initiatives within the Wellness Center.

At Rowan, support services are available through the Wellness Center for any student who feels stressed out, overwhelmed, lonely or blue for any reason, or for no particular reason at all.

This year’s walk, held in conjunction with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Campus Day of Action, will be mostly virtual but the goal will be the same – to help save lives, to promote and educate about suicide prevention, and to bring the community together to help end suicide on college campuses. 

Beginning at 10:00 a.m., the Zoom event will run approximately 30 minutes and will be held in conjunction with other New Jersey colleges and universities hosting similar events.

Since its inception, Rowan’s Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk grew every year, drawing more than 800 participants in 2019, when it was last held fully in-person. Given restrictions required because of the pandemic, such a large walk may not be held this year but all members of the Rowan community are invited to take part in the online Zoom event. (A small in-person event will take place but all slots are filled.)

"This walk signifies so much,” said Lindsay Johnson, a Wellness Center counselor. While it does focus on mental and emotional health, it's about so much more than that. It's about social connectedness, rallying as a community around a sense of purpose, and letting those around us know that we are here for them and we support each other. When we work together, and support one another,  we can bring light even in the darkest of times."

Please do your part to support suicide prevention and decrease the stigma of mental illness by joining us on Saturday virtually.

Register today!