RU holds sixth annual Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk

Suicide remains among the leading causes of college student death across the country, with approximately 1,100 incidents per year.

To combat the phenomenon, and to address underlying issues that can lead to it, Rowan University held its sixth annual Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk April 29, an event that raised nearly $17,000 for suicide prevention, education and programming.

Planned as an outdoor program, inclement weather forced the event inside the Rec Center where participants walked the track and gathered on the gym floor to support one another and raise awareness to prevent future incidents.

Dr. Lindsay Johnson, assistant director for Well Being in Rowan’s Wellness Center, said friends and family of people who might be inclined to hurt themselves can often prevent worst case outcomes by simply asking questions.

“It’s important to not be afraid to ask someone how they’re doing,” Johnson said. “If you suspect they’re not doing well, ask directly if they’ve had thoughts about hurting themselves. There’s a misconception that if you ask people if they’re having thoughts about suicide, it will cause them to do so. Asking directly can save someone’s life.”

Johnson said a national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline began last year to provide emergency, 24/7 access to assistance for anyone in crisis. The number is 988.

Rowan students may access counseling services from licensed therapists through the Wellness Center even over the summer and other breaks when class is not in session.

A 24/7 Wellness Center hotline is also accessible year-round. For assistance, students may call (856) 256-4333 and follow the prompts to speak to a counselor or they may call Public Safety at (856) 256-4911 and ask for the counselor on call.

“We will always direct them and support them, including with telehealth appointments,” Johnson said.

She added, however, that any student in crisis should go to their nearest hospital.

Over the past five years, Rowan has greatly expanded its network of mental health providers. Students may access group and/or individual counseling sessions through the Wellness Center and affiliated mental health agencies.

Johnson said feelings of isolation and loneliness can trigger depression, especially among college students. To counter those feelings, the office of Counseling and Psychological Services within the Wellness Center offers a wide array of resources, including groups, workshops and classes.

As it has in the past, Rowan held this year’s suicide prevention walk in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and other organizations including Services Empowering Rights of Victims, Alpha Nu Omega, Artemis Center for Guidance, Tau Sigma Transfer Students Honor Society, the American Federation of Teachers, Active Minds and Rowan’s office of Healthy Campus Initiatives.