Freed-Hardeman University to host One More Light for Suicide Prevention Awareness

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and two organizations at Freed-Hardeman University are coming together to acknowledge and offer services for those who have been affected by suicide.
FHU’s Department of Behavioral Sciences and the University Counseling Center are partnering to bring One More Light to FHU’s campus Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 6-8 p.m. in Heritage Commons.
One More Light will be a community event available to anyone in Henderson, Chester County and the surrounding areas who has survived suicide loss, wants to support those impacted by suicide or simply wants to learn more about suicide prevention.
There is no cost for the event, and registration is not required.
Suicide is one of the nation’s most preventable types of death, but it remains the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 – 45. This month is a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized—and often taboo—topic, shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information with people impacted by suicide. An additional goal is to ensure that individuals, friends and families also have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
The event will open with a few comments at 6 p.m. Everyone who attends will have the opportunity to support one another, have honest conversations about a difficult topic and personally reflect on the impact of suicide in our community. Each attendee will also be given a luminary which can be used to remember or honor someone who has been impacted by suicide. The object is to fill the Bader Oval on campus with light as a reminder that every life has meaning and that in every crisis there is hope. The event will close with a prayer at 8 p.m.
Everyone has a role to play to save lives and create strong, healthy individuals, families and communities. We can come together to reduce factors that increase the risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior. We can also work together to increase the factors that help strengthen, support and protect people from suicide. Whether you are a survivor of suicide loss or just want to support someone who has been impacted by suicide, you are invited to be a part of this event.
For more information, one may visit the Facebook page: facebook.com/onemorelightFHU22.