UA LITTLE ROCK HOSTS OUT OF THE DARKNESS CAMPUS WALK

Sending a message of hope, students, faculty and other members of the community gathered on Sunday, Apr. 23, to participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Campus Walk.

Even in the rainy and gloomy weather, volunteers found joy in being able to spend time with one another. After the setting-up part was finished, the Metro Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) offered us pancakes, granola bars, juice and water. And so, the event began.

The hosts of the Campus Walk were the UA Little Counseling Services team. They did a wonderful job at advertising the event weeks, and even months, in advance.

As we waited for the walk to begin, they kept students entertained with fun games and good music. There were also booths set up with all the free things students could want: UA Little Rock water bottles, “Movement Monday” t-shirts, backpacks, portable chargers, etc.

Even though we were surrounded by familiar faces, friends from school and staff we often interact with, the atmosphere was heavier.

Everyone wore different colored beads to show who they were walking for – whether themselves or someone else. As I helped at the booth that handed out these beads and listened to students read aloud what the colors stood for, I couldn’t help but notice the array of emotions that passed across each face.

As the event unfolded, the sun finally made an appearance just before beginning the walk.

The weather itself even reflected how this event was a reminder of a new day, a new beginning.

We walked throughout the campus and along Coleman Creek; it was very peaceful in the midst of a stressful time of year.

The walk also served as a reminder of the unity present among campus. Whether in the face of natural disaster or illness, our community never fails to show up. It was truly inspiring to see the number of volunteers present as they walked for suicide awareness.

The idea of the Campus Walk was introduced by AFSP. Their mission is to “save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.”

They do so by funding research, training clinicians and advocating for life-saving policies.

Not only do they focus on the education side of suicide prevention, but also on the community aspect. They connect friends and families of lost loved ones to support groups.

They started from nothing and yet created a movement that has reached “tens of thousands” of people.

Suicide is now, as the AFSP website states, “The third leading cause of death among young people age 15 to 24.”

Their program reaches out in support of those that have struggled, are actively struggling or lost a loved one to suicide.

To learn more about AFSP, find a chapter or hear real stories, visit their website at afsp.org.

If in a crisis, do not hesitate to call or text 988. If you know of someone who is struggling, do not dismiss their call for help, keep in touch with them and encourage them to seek supportive help. There are resources available on campus, such as the UA Little Rock Counseling Services.

BY VASTI HERNANDEZ