Las Vegas, N.M. — Highlands University is sponsoring a suicide prevention and awareness run Sept. 25.
“Suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 10 — 24, with over 1,000 suicides occurring annually on college campuses nationwide,” said Corilia Ortega, advocacy and education coordinator for the university’s Center for Advocacy Resources Education and Support, HU-CARES. “This run will be an evening to remember the lives of friends and family lost to suicide and demonstrate compassion to those who currently live with thoughts of suicide.”
Registration for the 5K “Out of the Darkness” run begins at 6 p.m. at the university’s Student Union Building at 8th Street and National Avenue. The run begins at 7 p.m., with free glow sticks, beverages and refreshments provided.
The suggested fee for the run is a $2 donation. The first 100 runners to register get a free event T-shirt. Walkers are also encouraged to participate in the family-friendly community event.
“There are many myths and incorrect information about suicide that are widely accepted,” Ortega said. “Our continual goal at HU-CARES is to provide accurate information to our campus community.”
Highlands is part of a national movement of “Out of the Darkness” events in September to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
For more details about the Sept. 25 “Out of the Darkness” run, contact Ortega at 505-454-3529 or visit HU-CARES on Facebook at No Violence HU.
HU-CARES provides free crisis, advocacy and education services for the university’s students and is sponsoring the event.
Other sponsors for the run include the Highlands University Housing and Student Conduct Office and the student group MEChA, the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano/a Aztlí¡n. A’viands, the university’s food service, donated the beverages and refreshments.