Hope Walks Here: Suicide Prevention Walk at RPI 4/15

(TROY, NY)–The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is hosting a series of walks to raise awareness about suicide throughout the capital region, starting this weekend with a walk at RPI on Saturday, April 15th.

Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States today and the 3rd leading cause of death in young people aged 15-24. AFSP has organized walks focusing on young people to raise awareness and bring resources to college campuses. With seven campus walks scheduled this spring, AFSP aims to build hope across communities, empowering folks to feel connected to support and hopeful for the future – as suicide is preventable.

The walks are organized and led by students on each campus. Shreyas Seethalla, a third-year Physics/Computer Science major at RPI, shared, “I wanted my voice to be a reason other people my age can get the help they deserve. I know people struggling with mental health problems, and I think that bringing these issues to the forefront of people’s minds is the first step to changing public perception of mental health and suicide.”

Seethalla makes an interesting point: people are struggling with mental health problems, and suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary series of problems. AFSP can help connect individuals who are struggling by connecting them to resources to help them feel better and enjoy their lives.

College students are very focused and inspired to help others. Kaitlin Jennings, also a third-year student majoring in Physics at RPI, noted, “The Out of the Darkness Walk is important as it provides individuals the opportunity to walk in support of those affected by suicide while providing individuals community and support.  The walk will also raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, assisting in research, support, and education for suicide prevention.  In walking, we are showing how we are all affected by suicide but united in providing support for each other.”

Can’t make it to RPI this weekend? No stress: Hope Walks Here continues throughout the spring at SUNY Albany (4/22), Siena (4/29), SUNY Adirondack (4/29), and Skidmore (4/30).