LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus is dedicating September to raising awareness about suicide prevention through a series of events and activities. This initiative follows the official proclamation by the Fayette County Commissioners, recognizing September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
Amanda Collins, mental health counselor at Penn State Fayette, represented the Fayette campus at the proclamation signing and has been actively involved with the Fayette County Suicide Prevention Task Force.
Collins has been an active member of the Fayette County Suicide Prevention Task Force for nearly two years. Her involvement began when Fayette County Behavioral Health approached her to help with the task force’s initiatives. She recognizes that suicide prevention is a heavy topic and hopes to engage with the community in meaningful, yet positive ways that promote mental health and well-being.
“These events help us build communities without necessarily saying ‘we’re here to talk about suicide prevention,’” Collins said. “We have to make the topic digestible. So, let’s plant some flowers and consider new beginnings.”
All Month: Educational Tabling and Free Journaling Pouch Giveaway
Educational tables will be set up in the Biomedical Building, Eberly Building and Williams Building throughout September. Everyone is encouraged to stop by, pick up a free journaling pouch, and gather information on suicide prevention.
Monday, Sept. 16: Tabling Event with Local Providers
Representatives from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Fayette County Suicide Prevention Task Force, and Chestnut Ridge Crisis Services will provide educational materials and chat. This event will take place in the lower level of the Williams Building from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 16: Create Your Own Tie-Dye
The Counseling Center and Student Government Association will provide materials for participants to create tie-dye t-shirts. This event will take place on the Williams Building outdoor patio from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Should it rain, this event will move to Room 15, Williams Building.
Tuesday, Sept. 17: “Bloom Where You Are Planted” Event
The Counseling Center will provide planters in which participants can decorate and plant flowers inside. This event will take place on the Williams Building outdoor patio from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Should it rain, this event will move to Room 15, Williams Building.
Friday, Sept. 20: Tie-Out Day
The Counseling Center invites the campus community to wear tie-dye in support of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. A group photo will be taken beside the Nittany Lion Shrine at 12:15 p.m. Should it rain, this event will move to the Community Center.
Wednesday, Sept. 25: Yoga on the Patio
The Counseling Center and the Fayette campus Library have co-sponsored “Yoga on the Patio,” where participants will receive yoga mats and guided meditation from James Risha, registered yoga teacher. This event will take place on the Williams Building outdoor patio from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Should it rain, this event will move to Library.
For more information on these events or to learn more about available resources, please contact Amanda Collins at aln165@psu.edu or 724-430-4122.