Stony Brook University marked September as Suicide Awareness Month by strengthening its support system for student mental health. The highlight was the seventh annual Walk of Hope held on September 28.
Melissa Woody, collegiate outreach coordinator at the Center for Prevention and Outreach (CPO), emphasized the importance of community in preventing mental health crises. “The three things we want students to know are: one, they are not alone; two, being part of a community is a protective factor; and three, we’re all in this together,” she stated.
The event saw nearly 500 participants, including students, staff, faculty, and community partners. “...all with personal connections to suicide, all wanting to make a difference. There’s something special about being in a space with so many people advocating for change,” Woody said.
Vice President for Student Affairs Rick Gatteau addressed the crowd alongside Woody, highlighting the importance of checking in on others genuinely. During the walk, participants chanted slogans such as “Speak up. Reach out. You are not alone.”
Throughout National Suicide Prevention Month in September, Stony Brook offered bystander intervention training to equip students with tools to recognize signs of distress. “We trained over 50 students in one day with our QPR program,” Woody noted.
Woody underscored that seeking help is a sign of strength and awareness. “Recognizing your own red flags and taking action is a sign of increased cognitive ability,” she explained.
The Walk of Hope also served as an avenue for personal connection and healing through honor bracelets and color schemes from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Additionally, ‘Rocks of Hope’ allowed participants to write positive messages on stones displayed around campus.
Woody pointed out resources available at Stony Brook for supporting students' mental well-being through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and other services.
“Suicide is the third leading cause of death among college-age individuals... But being part of a community like this — one that cares about care and mental health — can really make a difference,” Woody concluded.
For those needing assistance or facing crises, Stony Brook encourages reaching out to Counseling and Psychological Services or calling their crisis line at 631-632-6720.