ESU Participates in Suicide Prevention Walk

Thirty percent of college students feel so depressed that they cannot function, according to a study done by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH). This depression is what marks suicide as the third leading cause of death of young people.

Students at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania want to make a difference in these statistics. On Saturday, April 18, ESU will be joining thousands of students across the country in a walk to fight suicide. Out of the Darkness, a national walk that raises money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will begin at ESU at 11 a.m. on the front lawn of the Hoeffner Science & Technology Center, Normal Street.

“I have had way too many friends over the years commit suicide or talk about committing suicide,” Andrea Gurgick, a senior majoring in psychology from Telford, Pa., said. “If I could save one life by getting involved and taking action, I will do whatever it takes.”

Gurgick wants to bring hope to people who might be struggling. “I want people to know that they can talk to me,” she said.

This is the second year the university is participating in the suicide walk. ESU partners with the Monroe County Coalition for Suicide Prevention to bring the walk to campus, according to Linda Van Meter, Ph.D., director and chair of counseling & psychological services. “We hope many come out and join the walk,” she said. “Education and awareness as to how we can help those in pain and those who are left to grieve are so important.” The walk is free of charge and open to the public. Registration is at 10 a.m. and the walk is predicted to conclude at 1 p.m. Donations are welcomed. For more information contact counseling and psychological services at 570-422-3277.

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