UD Phi Theta Psi to Host HOPE Event to Raise Awareness of Suicide Prevention
Apr 2, 2018 | University Relations staff
DUBUQUE, Iowa – University of Dubuque Phi Theta Psi will host a HOPE (Hold On Pain Ends) event to raise awareness of suicide prevention on Thursday, April 5.
The public is welcome to join students, faculty, and staff. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. on The Quad with a candle light vigil to remember those who have been lost to suicide. The vigil continues with a walk around campus. There is no cost to attend the event.
“Everyone is welcome to show up and stand in solidarity as we recognize those who have lost their lives to suicide,” said De’Shaun Madkins, president of Phi Theta Psi and senior triple major in criminal justice, sociology, and English.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Over 44,000 Americans die of suicide each year. For every suicide, there are about 25 attempts of suicides that occur with an average of 123 suicides per day.
“These statics are alarming. In order to fix the problem, we must first address it,” Madkins said. “In hosting this event, we plan on working with the National Alliance of Mental Illness in Dubuque to spread awareness and provide prevention tips to members within and around our community.”
The event is sponsored by Phi Theta Psi, a co-ed social fraternity, as well as NAMI Dubuque.
