Monmouth University’s Sigma Pi fraternity will host a suicide awareness event on the Great Lawn of Wilson Hall at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, at 11 a.m. Sept. 20.
Senior Chandler Nichols of Manalapan is organizing the event on behalf of Sigma Pi with Alpha Sigma Tau sorority and sponsors Dr. Lee, director for counseling and psychological services in collaboration with Amy Bellina, director of student services and student center operations, according to a press release.
There will be a balloon release in which all who attend will simultaneously release a balloon to show support for suicide prevention and National Suicide Prevention month which takes place in September. This is a public event.
Sigma Pi’s goal is to increase the knowledge of mental health, improve help-seeking of students at risk for suicide, and increase the visibility of National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Hotline numbers for depression and suicide prevention, according to the press release.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression and bipolar disorder in young adults are associated with an increased risk of suicidal behavior. The strongest factors for suicide in this age group are depression, substance abuse and aggressive behavior.