UA Little Rock Takes a Stance Against Suicide Epidemic
UA Little Rock is fighting the crunching numbers of suicide by hosting a suicide prevention walk on Friday, April 26. The pre-walk events start at 11 a.m. with a free brunch, therapy dogs, live music, a drum circle, bounce house, giveaways, and inspiring speakers. Chancellor Christina Drale will kick off the walk, which wraps up around the campus.
Emphasizing the critical need for action, Dr. Aresh Assadi, the director of UA Little Rock Counseling Services, explained that suicide is the leading cause of death for young adults and has unfortunately touched the campus community far too often. The walk aims to raise awareness and offer hope to those directly affected.
Striking statistics highlight the gravity of the issue, with about 1,100 college students dying from suicide every year. Interestingly, in Arkansas, suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for 15-24-year-olds and the 10th overall. Assadi urges students to break down the mental health stigma and acknowledge it is okay to reach out and find help. Moreover, checking in on friends or acquaintances who seem to be struggling can make a vast difference.
That being said, students, employees, and community members can register for the event. Even those who cannot physically attend can join as virtual walkers. All proceeds will be directed toward the Arkansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a vital force in supporting local efforts.
For more information and to get involved in the walk, people can contact Dr. Aresh Assadi at 501-916-3185 or [email protected]. Together, the community at UA Little Rock can make great strides in combating this pressing issue.
Additional Suicide Prevention Events
- September 14: River Valley Walk at Celebration Garden & Wellness Park in Fort Smith, AR
- October 6: Northwest Arkansas Walk at Orchards Park in Bentonville, AR
- October 19: Northeast Arkansas Walk at Downtown Jonesboro in Jonesboro, AR
- November 2: Little Rock Walk at a location TBD in Little Rock, AR
- November 3: Texarkana Walk at Bobby Ferguson Park in Texarkana, AR
- November 9: Hot Springs Walk at National Park College in Hot Springs, AR
