The 13th Annual Suicide Awareness Walk took place at Carlton Highschool on Oct. 9, 2021. Silence swept over the crowded room once Meghann Levitt walked on stage. 

Levitt, one of the speakers and coordinator of this event, began the meeting with a quote by Dr. Dan Reidenberg, a speaker at one of the very first walks. Dr. Redenberg is currently the Executive Director of Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, Managing Director of the National Council for Suicide Prevention and the current US Representative to the IASP. He speaks internationally and have over 50 published articles and books.

“Today I know that some of you are in immense pain,” Reidenberg said, “the pain of a loss, so deep, so profound, so unfair that it just shouldn’t have to be felt, not now, not ever. And this pain might be new and it might be old.” 

Levitt went on to empathize how important it is to express your emotions and that the community will be there to offer their help and support. 

Heather Hanson, a new volunteer for the mobile crisis hotline said, “I love feeling like I can do something, I lost my brother and I couldn’t help him, but I can help others now.” 

Hanson mentions how working for the hotline gives her another purpose. If interested, you can become a volunteer by filling out the application. Some of the requirements include; being 18 or older, committing to at least 200 volunteer hours,  access to a private computer and stable internet connection. 

The walk takes place every year on the second weekend in October. This event is free and open to anyone who would like to join. It includes speakers, snacks, beverages and of course the walk itself. 

There are a number of local places to reach out for help, one of them being the local mobile crisis. Mobile crisis is available to anyone 24/7. There is someone available, with your consent, to come to your house to have one-on-one and talk about what’s happening. If you don’t want someone there but want to talk, there are virtual options available. Just text “MN” to 741741. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health problems, don't hesitate to contact the crisis text line. It is a safe space for all people struggling with their mental health.  Even if you just want to talk about something bad that happened, they are there to help.

There is also a grief group on campus led by Barb Titus, who has been running it for almost 18 years. The support group meets in RDC 301, just across from the dining center every Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 pm.

“For those of you who have suffered a recent loss, we have felt your pain and know your despair. We are here for you today and hope you can see that we’ll be here for you as the days continue on. For those of you who have suffered a loss some time ago, we know that today it might feel like it was yesterday, and we are gathered here to say that we know that you still need and deserve our support and that you have that too.” Reidenberg said.