FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 31, 2009

MUW to host Suicide Prevention Week Sept. 6-11

COLUMBUS, Miss – Mississippi University for Women will host Suicide Prevention Week Sept. 6-11 on campus as part of a national effort to reduce suicide.

The campaign is designed to help people recognize the warning signs of suicide and to encourage people to call Counseling Services on campus at (662) 329-7127 or the toll-free hotline at 1-800-272-TALK.

In Mississippi, more than 392 individuals died due to the result of suicide in the year 2007, according to Deanna S. Wilkins, MUW’s assistant director of counseling services. Across the country, someone dies by suicide every 15.8 minutes, accounting for more than 33,000 deaths annually. In the United States, more people die by suicide than by homicide. Worldwide, suicide accounts for nearly half of all violent deaths, nearly 1 million fatalities each year. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-years-olds.

Wilkins said there will be several activities planned for the week.

On Sept. 8, information about suicide will be distributed in Hogarth Dining Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Balloons with helpline information also will be released at the Demonstration School Field at 7 p.m. with hopes they will reach a person in need.

Wilkins said they will paint quilt patches for the “Dedication Wall” in honor of those who have died by suicide on Sept. 9 in Hogarth W Room from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The week will end on Sept. 10 with the annual “Stomp Out the Stigma” campaign. Kris Jones from the Mississippi Department of Mental Health will be speak about suicide, followed with entertainment from the local Greek organizations including Zeta Phi Beta Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Inc and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

For more information, please call Wilkins at (662) 329-7127 or email dwilkins@muw.edu.