On Tuesday, March 20, FGCU will host its fourth annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk to shed light on suicide and raise money to support prevention.
The public is welcome to join students, faculty and staff. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Student Plaza, and the walk starts at 7 p.m.; participants can also register or donate to the cause online.
Suicide is the leading cause of death among college students aged 25-34, and the third leading cause for ages 10-24. It touches millions of lives — people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds — but research shows it’s preventable, according to Dr. Julie Rego, director of outreach and prevention for Counseling and Psychological Services at FGCU.
“We hope that by walking, we save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” Rego said. “If you’ve lost someone to suicide, or you or someone you know suffers from a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, please join us for the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk to fight suicide.”
Donations will be accepted through June 30 and support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and its goal to reduce the annual suicide rate in the United States 20 percent by 2025 through research, education, advocacy and support.