On Saturday, March 28, Waynesburg University students, faculty and the community will gather to support mental health awareness at the Be(e) the Hope Walk for Suicide Prevention. The event is open to the public, with registration being $25 per general participant and $15 per student.
On-site registration will begin at 10 a.m. in the Waynesburg auxiliary gym, adjacent to Marisa Fieldhouse. The Walk is set to follow at 11 a.m.
The event will be an opportunity to discover resources and come together to fight the stigma surrounding mental health.
“The collective energy of the event can transform awareness into action and remind everyone that small acts of compassion can make a life-saving difference.”
“By making these resources visible and accessible in a welcoming environment, attendees can learn where to turn for help, whether for themselves or for someone they care about,” said Dr. Kelley McNichols, assistant director of graduate counseling programs, assistant professor of counseling and clinical coordinator. “The collective energy of the event can transform awareness into action and remind everyone that small acts of compassion can make a life-saving difference.”
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Team Hope, a suicide awareness and prevention group in Greene County, and the Waynesburg University Counseling Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about mental health and visit tables for additional information.
“Suicide prevention is not a one-day conversation,” said McNichols. “The Be(e) the Hope Walk serves as both a reminder and a call to action for ongoing awareness, education and empathy.”
For more information about the Walk, contact McNichols at kelley.mcnichols@waynesburg.edu or Adrienne Tharp, assistant dean of student development, at atharp@waynesburg.edu.
About Waynesburg U.
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.
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Suicide Awareness and Prevention Resources
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. You are not alone. Mental health resources are available to you right now. Visit the Be(e) the Hope Walk registration page for a list of resources.