With mental wellness and a commitment to health as its focus, Georgia Tech is hosting Suicide Prevention Week for its second year, Sept. 21 – 25. The Counseling Center, along with other campus partners such as the Mental Health Coalition, Georgia Tech Arts, and Health Initiatives, are partnering in a week of virtual events to increase suicide awareness and provide tips for prevention. Tech’s observance comes a week after National Suicide Prevention Week.
"Tech Ends Suicide Together is happy to host Georgia Tech's second Suicide Prevention Week,” said Julia Rizzo, suicide prevention and crisis response coordinator for the Counseling Center. “The past several months have been particularly challenging for many individuals and the Georgia Tech community. We hope that the events during this week will help students, staff, and faculty join together to connect, learn, share, and heal without experiencing virtual event burnout."
In addition to the online events, there will be other virtual opportunities for participation. Georgia Tech Arts will host an online mural space for students to creatively express their feelings or offer messages of hope throughout Suicide Prevention Week. Health Initiaitves will host a Social Media Takeover, allowing people to share their stories online. By using the hashtags #GTsuicideprevention and #TechEndsSuicide, everyone has the opportunity to share why mental health is important to them.
The entire Tech community is encouraged to attend the virtual events and participate in the social media takeover to gain more awareness and become a positive force in the lives of others. More details on the week’s events can be found below.
Invited Speaker: Jordan Burnham
Tuesday, Sept. 22
7 – 8 p.m.
Listen in as Jordan Burnham, a nationally recognized mental health advocate, shares his own mental health journey. His presentation is meant to inspire, educate, and let others know they’re not alone. Click here to attend.
QPR Trainings
Monday, Sept. 21
9 – 11 a.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Noon – 2 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 24
10 a.m. – noon
QPR is designed to help people learn how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, offer hope, and help save lives. Participants will learn how to intervene with an individual at risk, persuade them to get help, and guide them to the appropriate resources. The two-hour QPR training at Georgia Tech includes an hour of instruction, followed by role play exercises and time for questions and discussion. Register here.
Georgia Tech Student Mural
Ongoing throughout the week
In collaboration with Georgia Tech Arts, the Georgia Tech Student Mural will give students the opportunity to visually express themselves. In an effort to destigmatize discussing mental health, participants are encouraged to use the mural space to express their feelings and share their healing journey. To access the mural, please click here.
Related Links: