On May 10, 2018 the exhibit, Send Silence Packing, was held at San Diego City College. More than 1,000 backpacks were on display to encourage students who are thinking about suicide, or know someone considering it, to reach out and seek help.
Saving lives is focus of Suicide Prevention Week
September 7, 2018 |
San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges will embark on a life-saving mission during Suicide Prevention Week September 9-15 with workshops, trainings, and more aimed at raising awareness about one of the nation’s leading causes of death.
National Suicide Prevention Week is the Sunday through Saturday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day, which falls on September 10. Events in the San Diego Community College District include:
Monday, September 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kindness Rocks
The San Diego Mesa College chapter of Active Minds, which is among the nation’s premier nonprofits supporting mental health awareness and education for students, will host a Kindness Rocks education booth with peer-to-peer conversations about suicide prevention and students painting rocks with messages of kindness. Free pizza while supplies last.
San Diego Mesa College, in front of the cafeteria, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Monday, September 10, through Thursday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kognito
Kognito At-Risk for University and College Students is an online, interactive training program that helps students learn about suicide prevention and approach others who are exhibiting signs of psychological distress.
San Diego Mesa College, in front of the cafeteria, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Tuesday, September 11 through Thursday, September 13
Outreach Services
San Diego City College’s Mental Health Counseling Center will provide supportive services, conducting depression screenings, and facilitating stress-relief activities at various quads throughout the campus.
San Diego City College, 1313 Park Blvd. 92101
Tuesday, September 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Suicide Prevention
Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital’s Community Services division will staff a suicide prevention information table.
San Diego Mesa College, in front of the cafeteria, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Thursday, September 13, from 2 to 4 p.m.
“QPR”
A suicide prevention presentation by registered nurse Lori Senini, QPR is an acronym for Question, Persuade, Refer. QPR is a suicide prevention learning opportunity where students, faculty, and staff can learn to talk with someone who we are concerned about by asking brief questions, persuading them to obtain care and referring them to an appropriate mental health professional. Training allows individuals to recognize warning signs of people in distress and act to prevent a tragedy.
San Diego Mesa College, Building I-400 Room 207, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Thursday, September 13, 2 to 3 p.m.
“Self-Care 101”
Tracy Fried MSW will dialogue with former foster youth students about how to improve their strategies for self-care and mentor others to do the same. Students will learn about the signs and symptoms of depression, how to approach a fellow student in distress and lead them into care. Free pizza will be provided while supplies last.
San Diego Mesa College, I4-309, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Friday, September 14, at 1:30 p.m.
“QPR”
Miramar College’s Mental Health office hosts a QPR – Question, Persuade, Refer – suicide prevention training session.
San Diego Miramar College, Room H-104 (Humanities Building), 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126
Complementing Suicide Prevention Week are the following events:
Friday, September 21, at 1:30 p.m.
“The Truth About Suicide”
Miramar College also will screen the short film “The Truth About Suicide: Real Stories of Depression in College,” which provides a clear and well-presented suicide prevention message without stigmatizing or glamorizing those who have attempted suicide or have taken their own life. The film will be followed by a discussion.
San Diego Miramar College, K2-102 (Health Services Building), 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126
Wednesday, September 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Suicide Prevention Fair
The Mental Health Counseling Center at City College is hosting a Suicide Prevention Fair. Representatives from Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital and elsewhere will discuss various preventative services and mental health peer educators will facilitate stress-reducing activities such as yoga and meditation.
San Diego City College, Curran Plaza, 1313 Park Blvd., 92101
Wednesday, September 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Suicide Prevention Fair
Miramar College will stage a Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Resource Fair.
San Diego Miramar College, lobby of the Student Services Building (K1), 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126
Approximately 45,000 Americans take their own lives each year, making it the 10th leading cause of death in the country, according to figures compiled by the American Association of Suicidology. California led the nation in 2016 with 4,294 suicides, but its per capita rate was among the lowest in the country.