Suicide to be Discussed at MiraCosta College

Story by MiraCosta College Public Information Office

The Suicide Prevention Council, convened by Community Health Improvement Partners and participants in its Higher Education Subcommittee have come together to host a myriad of the education, awareness and prevention activities at area colleges and universities in order to reduce suicide among student populations.

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center specifies that there are an estimated 1,100 students affiliated with colleges and universities across the country who die by suicide each year, and local colleges and universities—UC San Diego, University of San Diego, San Diego State University, San Diego City College, MiraCosta College, CSU San Marcos and Grossmont College—want to send this prevention-campaign message to their student populations so that they are aware that there are quality resources available to students experiencing mental health problems associated with suicide.

On September 6, County Supervisor Ron Roberts and Health and Human Services Agency Director Nick Macchione will kick-off Suicide Prevention Week at a “Not on My Watch” event at San Diego State University. While a variety of activities will take place over a one-week period, the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council would like to highlight a series of events occurring Tuesday, September 10, 2013. At these activities ‘Not On My Watch’ kits will be distributed that consist of wristbands and information on additional resources.

The September 10 activities for all six campuses are as follows:

• UCSD –Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training in colleges Sixth from 10:30 a.m.- noon; Muir from 3 p.m. -4:30 p.m.
• University of San Diego- Involvement Fair- Alcala Bazaar in Torero Way (on campus) featuring a Suicide Prevention information table from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• San Diego State University-Suicide Prevention ‘Not On My Watch’ Suicide  Prevention information table from 11 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
• San Diego City College-Suicide Prevention Fair and Depression Screenings from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Grossmont College-Hosting a Wellness table with a focus on Suicide Prevention from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• MiraCosta College Oceanside Campus: Not On My Watch Suicide Prevention Tabling in the Quad during College Hour from noon -1:15 p.m.
• California State University San Marcos-“A Light in the Darkness” Day from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. with a panel from 6 - 8 p.m.

Mental health problems that are associated with suicide and other adverse outcomes affect a substantial portion of college students.  These problems can negatively affect students’ academic performance and quality of life.  To build momentum for prevention efforts, campuses should start examining current research on campus suicide and mental health problems, and the associated consequences.

For more information, contact Marge Reyzer in the MiraCosta College Health Services Office at mreyzer@miracosta.edu.