With clear skies and amazing weather, San Diego City College’s Student Health Center selected an ideal day to hold its annual Suicide Prevention Fair on campus.
The Student Health Center invited roughly 20 groups and organizations to the Sept. 23 event, including Timely Care, Urban Restoration Counseling Center, The Catalyst Program and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which returned from last year’s event.
“It’s really common to have any mental health struggle,” Kristian Morgan, a case manager for The Catalyst Program, said. “So, it’s important to normalize taking care of your mental health.”
The Catalyst Program aims to assist youth aged 18-25 dealing with serious mental illnesses who are at risk of, or currently facing, homelessness.
Mental health is particularly important in September, which is Suicide Prevention month. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention describes this month as a time to reflect on the necessary steps we all must take in looking out for the people around us and those who have been impacted by suicide.
Barbara Shurgot, board chair for the San Diego chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, echoed the same goal in describing her organization.
“Our mission is to save lives (and) give hope to those affected by suicide,” Shurgot said. “We are the leading organization researching suicide and suicide prevention in the United States.”
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention returned to City College’s fair this year offering resources and information to students stopping by their table, as well as free pens, stickers and journals.
The San Diego chapter of the organization hosts events, such as the Out Of The Darkness Community Walk, to bring the community together to show support for those they’ve lost.
These walks also raise money through donations, which the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention uses to support survivors of suicide loss, fund research for suicide prevention and create education programs on the matter.
Mahamed Ali, a first-semester nursing student, decided to check out the fair in the hopes to “gather info (and) get swag.”
Ali’s favorite part of the event was “the free yoga session,” offered by Terry Wilson, professor of dance at City College.
To incentivize active engagement with the organizations at the event, the Student Health Center handed out “passport cards” that needed to be signed and stamped by any six of the available groups. Organizers treated students who turned in a completed card with chips, salsa and burritos.
Diana Hernandez, event organizer and clinical therapist for Student Health Services, spoke positively on the turnout of the event.
“I would say it definitely met our expectations,” Hernandez said. “We had enough food for 150 people, and we only have a little bit left, so at least 100 (people).”
For mental health support on campus at City College, Mental Health Counseling is available in building A-180.
Suicide Lifeline: If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call or text the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or chat online any time of day or night.
