[PAST EVENT] W&M Walks for Suicide Prevention

October 3, 2015
8:30am
Location
The Bee McLeod Recreation Center
400 Brooks St
Williamsburg, VA 23185Map this location
We are contacting you to ask for your support. Mental health in college students is a widespread issue that is largely ignored. The average onset of mental disorders is 18 - 24 years of age and each year 1,100 students die by suicide. However, two-thirds of all students who suffer from mental illness do not seek help. A reason these statistics exist is that mental health is hard to talk about. An unnecessary shame surrounds mental illness which creates a stigma that can make an already isolating situation feel even more so.

We're trying to change that. A number of student-led organizations at William & Mary are extremely involved in combating this issue. In the past we have brought in speakers and organized events ranging from, the intersection of politics and mental illness to embracing neurodiversity. This is all in the effort of stopping the stigma and starting the conversation. This year the annual Suicide Prevention Walk will be held on October 3rd, which is a 5k walk/run for suicide awareness and prevention. The first goal of our walk is to raise money for two organizations that advocate for the mental health of young people and suicide prevention. The second is to bring the William & Mary community together in a show of solidarity and support for those whose lives have been touched by depression or suicide.

Suicide is a tragedy and in its wake it often seems as if there is little one can say or do. The support of your business in the form of a monetary donation or other form of sponsorship for the 5k run/walk would be deeply appreciated. All of the money raised will go to two national organizations: the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Active Minds Inc. (a group dedicated to de-stigmatizing mental illness on college campuses).

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Alyssa Glass (717) 360-0700 or Alyssa Eversmeyer (703) 582-2904. Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,
The William & Mary Women's Gymnastics Team and Active Minds at William & Mary
Contact

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Alyssa Glass (717) 360-0700 or Alyssa Eversmeyer (703) 582-2904. Thank you for your time and support.