Suicide-Prevention Walk, Depression Awareness Week Upcoming

Published 10.05.2009

News
Events

An "Out of the Darkness" community walk for suicide awareness and prevention, a first-ever event for Lycoming County that will begin and end behind the Bush Campus Center on Pennsylvania College of Technology's main campus in Williamsport,will be held Sunday, Oct. 18.

Registration is from 1-2 p.m., with the walk starting at 2. The event is under the auspices of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Details and pre-registration forms may be found online . For additional details, please call 570-323-0862. There is hope and help.

The walk coincides with the start of Depression Awareness Week, during which the college's Student Health Services will offer a number of valuable activities :

  • Monday, Oct. 19 DepressionAwareness Week Kickoff 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Bush Campus Center, Breuder Advanced Technology and Health Sciences Center and Hager Lifelong Education Center lobbiesPenn College students willhand out copies ofthe week's event schedule.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 20 "Recognizing and Referring Students in Psychological Distress" 3:30-4:30p.m.; Madigan Library, Room 102Depression among college students is an urgent, yet often misunderstood public health problem. Reports indicate that, in the past20 years, the number of students reporting depression has doubled and the number of suicidal students has tripled on college campuses. Penn College counselors invite faculty, staff and students to participate in this session that will identify signs of students in crisis, and more importantly, examine effective interventions. Employees can register for this Professional Development session (PDT-568) through the Employee Information System or by calling 570-320-5252.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 21 The "Stress Less" Health Fair 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; CC LobbyStop by for a massage and pick up information about stress reduction and improving your mental health. Giveaways, too!
  • Thursday, Oct. 22 Depression Awareness "Jeopardy" Game 8 p.m.; Professional Development Center, Mountain Laurel RoomTest your knowledge of stress, depression, suicide and other mental-health issues; $100 prize to the winner! Refreshments will be provided.