Cuesta College Tackling Suicide Prevention Head-On
It is National Suicide Prevention Week and Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo County is hosting events this week to raise awareness.
More than 1,100 college students die by suicide in the U.S. every year. Students and faculty at Cuesta College are trying to bring that number down.
This week, several events are being held at the San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles campuses. Tuesday, dozens of students watched a couple of films related to suicide and suicide prevention.
It’s an opportunity for people to come together and talk about the issue.
Signs are posted around a field of 1,100 black flags representing those students who have taken their lives nationwide.
One Cuesta student is sharing her personal experiences and how she attempted suicide several years ago.
“I myself am a, I have attempted suicide, a pretty significant one. I should not be here. I feel that you’re taken a little bit more serious when someone understands you yourself have been through it,” said student Erin Smith.
Cuesta has started a new club on campus this year called Active Minds. It is part of a national organization that helps raise awareness on suicide prevention.
If you are concerned about someone who may be suicidal, please contact National Lifeline at 1-800-272-TALK.
Community Resource Info Call 211
Hospice of Santa Barbara 805-563-8820
SAFTY 888-334-2777 21 years and under
CARES 888-868-1649 21 years plus
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-TALK (8255)
Here is a list of events happening at Cuesta College:
Wednesday, Sept. 11, North County Campus, Paso Robles: Suicide Prevention Resource Fair in the Ernst Courtyard, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The event will include free Jamba Juice.
Thursday, Sept. 12, SLO Campus: Suicide Prevention Resource Fair in the Flagpole Courtyard, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The event will include free Jamba Juice.
Here is a list of events happening in Santa Barbara County:
Sept. 10 World Suicide Prevention Day Candle Light Vigil, 8 p.m. Our Lady of Guadeloupe Parish
Santa Barbara
Honoring lives and families impacted by suicide
Sept. 11 Cottage Hospital Grand Rounds
Suicide: What Mental Health Professionals Need to Know
Santa Barbara, CA
Learn more at http://www.sbch.org/tabid/1001/Default.aspx
Sept. 12 Help Save a Life: Suicide Prevention Response
California State University Channel Islands
To attend or for more information, contact Kathleen Roach at 805-437-3971 Kathleen.roach@csuci.edu.
Sept. 17 Suicide: What Every Professional Should Know
CE Webinar – 3 CE’s
Presenter: Lisa Firestone, Ph.D.
Learn more or register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/island/webinar/registration.tmpl?id=183740840
Sep.17 Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation- Goleta
Presented by the mayor of Goleta -families will be attending
Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation- Santa Barbara
Presented by mayor of Santa Barbara
