Apr 25

Apr 25 RCTC hosts Minnesota's first ever campus walk for suicide prevention

(THE MED CITY BEAT) - More than 100 people participated in Minnesota's first ever campus walk for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The Out of the Darkness Campus Walk was held Saturday morning at University Center Rochester. The event was organized by RCTC students with the help of volunteers from AFSP-Southeast Minnesota Chapter.

"All our efforts offer an openness in recognizing that suicide can be prevented and together we can promote awareness," said Cara Fox, an AFSP board member who helped organize the event.

Radio personality Julie Jones from 102.5 The Fox emceed the opening ceremony, which also included speeches by RCTC President Leslie McClellon and AFSP-SE Minnesota Board Chair Kelley Adelsman.

Members of the Rochester VFW Post 1215 Honor Guard provided a three-volley salute before the walk. The annual suicide rate for veterans is about 50 percent higher than that of the general public.

More than $5,000 was raised on Saturday, according to organizers. The money will be used to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy and support survivors of suicide loss.

AFSP is the largest nonprofit organization in the U.S. dedicated to suicide prevention. The organization has set a goal to reduce the annual suicide rate 20 percent by 2025.

Click here for more information on suicide prevention.