Sixth Annual Out of Darkness Walk

For the sixth year, the Marching Comets are hosting the Out of the Darkness Walk with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) on Saturday, March 25. Student coordinator is junior Sarah Cruz, a psychology major and member of the Marching Comets and other instrumental groups. According to Director of Bands Jeremy Duby, Olivet has been able to raise more than $60,000 for mental health and suicide prevention. He said that these efforts also spurred serious conversations on campus resulting in the development of the mental health resource center and the addition of director of Counseling Health and Wellness, Dr. Robin LuckadooChadderdon. In addition, the AFSP has offered training and resources. The American College Health Association National College Health Assessment shows that each year, one in three college students report “feeling so depressed that it was difficult to function.” One in 10 said they have “seriously considered attempting suicide.” Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students. To register and/or donate to the cause visit https://www.afsp.org/olivetcollege.   The Comets are hoping to raise another $10,000 this year. Established in 1987, the AFSP is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education, and advocacy to act against this leading cause of death.

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