September is National Suicide Prevention Month with September 4-10 dedicated as National Suicide Prevention Week. It’s a time to share resources and stories as well as promote suicide prevention awareness. Knowing the signs and how to find help can save a life!

The National Council for Suicide Prevention offers the Take 5 to Save Lives campaign which encourages everyone to take 5 minutes out of their day and complete five action steps:

  • LEARN the warning signs
  • KNOW how to help yourself and others
  • DO raise awareness, volunteer & practice self-care
  • TALK about suicide, dispel myths & reduce stigma
  • SHARE Take 5 with others

We’ll be offering several 45-minute sessions covering each of these steps. The same information will be shared during each session so choose the one that best fits your schedule:

  • Friday, September 9 – 5:15 p.m. in The Den. Followed by documentary and candlelight walk.
  • Tuesday, September 13 – 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. via Zoom. Register to receive the link.
  • Thursday, September 22 – 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. in the Student Leadership Center.

If you’re unable to join us for a session, visit the Take 5 website to complete the steps any time! Consider adding it to your calendar each September for an annual “refresher” course.

Additionally, after the September 9 session, join us for two related events.

The Ripple Effect Documentary, screening begins at 5:45 p.m. in The Den

Suicide: The Ripple Effect highlights the journey of Kevin Hines, who at age 19, attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Today, Kevin is a world-renowned mental health advocate, motivational speaker and author who travels the globe spreading a message of hope, recovery, and wellness. Read more about Kevin Hines and his #beheretomorrow campaign here.

Candlelight Walk begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Wausau Campus Main Entrance

On World Suicide Prevent Day, people around the world, will light candles to show their support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved one, and for survivors of suicide. This candlelight walk will begin at 7:30 p.m. We will begin at the Main Entrance of the Wausau campus, and ask all participants to arrive at 7:15 p.m. to receive a candle. Plan approximately 45-60 minutes for the walk.

All NTC students and employees are invited to participate in these events on their personal time.