Coastal Carolina University will host its ninth annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk to Fight Suicide on Saturday, April 22, beginning in the Lib Jackson Student Union rotunda. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the opening ceremony is at 11 a.m. The event is open to the public and aims to support suicide prevention, those who have lost loved ones, and those who are struggling with mental health issues. To register for the event or make a donation, click here.

The campus walk is hosted by CCU’s LiveWell Office and is part of a national effort by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The organization works to prevent suicide through funding scientific research, educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention, and supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide. This year, CCU’s fundraising goal is $5,000, and contributors have already surpassed that goal by donating more than $8,000.

“We want to encourage involvement to be a part of something that affects so many people in our community and show that we care, we are here to listen, and that we can be part of something bigger than ourselves,” said Chris Donevant-Haines, associate director of the LiveWell Office and event coordinator.

The walk route is approximately one mile around campus. Participants will have an opportunity to visit sponsor tables, take part in activities with members of the LiveWell Office, and hear from guest speakers.

The event is one of several initiatives at CCU that focus on health and wellness. In Fall 2021, LiveWell, along with Counseling Services and Student Health Services, launched TimelyMD, an app for CCU students that offers 24/7 telehealth services, health coaching, and on-demand medical and psychological support services. Counseling Services offers a variety of counseling to students confidentially and free of charge.

The LiveWell Office also promotes QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), a free service available to all students, faculty and staff. QPR offers individuals information on how to identify that someone may be at risk for suicide or other self-harm and how to not only talk about it using supportive language, but also how to help another person access resources.

For more information, contact Donevant-Haines at 843-349-5022 or cdhaines@coastal.edu.