The event will begin at 11 a.m. in front of Ottenheimer Library with check in at 10 a.m. with a free brunch, live music, giveaways, and inspirational speakers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with therapy dogs. The campus walk will begin at 12 p.m., after the Chancellor provides a proclamation.

 鈥淭he Campus Suicide Prevention Walk is about bringing our campus community together to send a clear message that you are not alone.鈥� Dr. Aresh Assadi said, 鈥淲e want students, faculty, and the broader community to see that support is available and that their lives matter. Events like this help reduce stigma, build connection, and remind people that it鈥檚 okay to reach out for help.鈥�

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, approximately 1,100 college students die by suicide each year. In Arkansas, suicide is the third leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-24 and ranks as the 10th leading cause of death statewide.

鈥淢ental health resources are available, but it鈥檚 crucial that people feel empowered to seek help,鈥� Assadi said. 鈥淲e also want to encourage students to check in on their friends, classmates, or even acquaintances who may be struggling. A simple conversation could make all the difference.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to participate. Registration is for both in-person and virtual walkers. Proceeds from the event will support the Arkansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Please register for the Campus Walk at . 

Though this is a fundraising event, it is free to everyone. Donations are encouraged but are not necessary to enjoy the event.For more information, contact Dr. Aresh Assadi at 501-916-3185, axassadi@ualr.edu, or counselingservices@ualr.edu.

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Dr. Shelia Brooks, a clinical assistant professor at the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Nursing, shed light on the purpose of the walk, emphasizing its role in commemorating those lost to suicide and fostering a sense of community among participants.

According to Dr. Brooks, the primary objective of the Out of Darkness Walk is to bring attention to mental health, suicide, and suicide prevention. Participants, including family, friends, church members, and coworkers, gather in memory of loved ones lost to suicide. This event, which takes place in all 50 states across over 400 locations, serves as a powerful demonstration of unity in tackling the challenges associated with mental health.

The Out of Darkness Walk not only provides a platform for collective remembrance but also contributes significantly to the cause through fundraising efforts. Dr. Brooks highlighted that all proceeds from the event go toward funding the mission of spreading awareness and prevention of suicide. The contributions made by participants play a crucial role in saving lives, offering hope, and addressing the aftermath of suicide through support and understanding.

For Dr. Brooks, personal involvement in the walk is deeply rooted in a tragic experience.

“A relative near and dear to my heart took his life in 2020 via suicide,鈥� she shared. 鈥淪uicide awareness and prevention are serious matters that are often overlooked until it’s too late鈥攖he aftermath.”

This personal connection underscores the gravity of the cause and motivates her active participation in advocating for mental health awareness.

Describing the diverse activities that took place during the event, Dr. Brooks mentioned prayer, face painting, music, singing, dancing, and a variety of refreshments. The use of Mardi Gras beads, each color symbolizing different meanings, added a poignant touch to the event. Personal testimonials and the availability of suicide awareness/prevention paraphernalia further enriched the experience.

Despite the challenges posed by cold, wet, and rainy weather, the event witnessed active participation from the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Nursing. Dr. Brooks and Kyrsten Smith led a team of 43 members, ranking 14th out of 89 teams in fundraising, raising $479.

Looking ahead, Dr. Brooks extended an invitation to join the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Nursing in the upcoming Suicide Awareness Campus Walk in April 2024 and the Community Walk in November 2024. She emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues, stating, “Mental Health Matters – YOU Matter!” The goal is to continue breaking the silence surrounding mental health, promoting counseling, medication, and both outpatient and inpatient care.

For more information, contact Brooks at smbrooks1@ualr.edu or Aresh Assadi at axassadi@ualr.edu.

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