Anderson University is holding a suicide prevention walk event on Saturday meant to raise awareness for the growing mental health issues, especially in younger individuals.
According to a recent CDC study, suicide is now the ninth leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10 to 64, and is the third leading cause of death for younger groups which include those between the ages of 10 and 24.
The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk is being hosted on Saturday, April 1st on the Anderson University campus to raise awareness for this and mental health as a whole.
“This is the first for our campus,” said Erin Maurer, the Director of Counseling Services at Anderson University. “These events are going on on campuses all over the US. I’ve actually participated in several on other university campuses, and so this is the first year that I’m sharing it at my home campus.”
Maurer said their counseling center found 38 percent of the students they have helped “have indicated some level of suicidal thoughts.”
Several speakers will also be in attendance at the event, including former Clemson football player Javis Austin, who will be sharing their story with mental health issues.
