May 9-10 the College of the Canyons Student Health & Wellness Center is set to host their annual ‘Shine A Light’ Suicide Prevention & Awareness event.

The event aims to provide students and community members with access to important mental health resources while bringing attention to the staggering amount of college students who die by suicide each year.

“This event brings suicide awareness to not only the students but to the faculty, administration, and community as well,” said Larry Schallert, assistant director of the Student Health & Wellness Center. “The lanterns on campus always starts a conversation.”

The two-day ‘Shine a Light’ event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, and Wednesday, May 10, in the COC Honor Grove, located on the college’s Valencia campus.

At the event staff from the college’s Student Health & Wellness Center and other local mental health agencies will be present to distribute information about suicide prevention/awareness, coping with depression and how to access other key mental health care resources, both on campus and in the community.

As a visual representation of the social issue of suicide, the Honor Grove will also be filled with 1,100 paper lanterns — each representing a college student that has lost their life to suicide in the United States during the past year.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 9, mental health providers will be positioned at the campus’ flagpole to provide resources and support. Flashlights with the National Suicide Lifeline will also be distributed.

In addition, guest speaker Dr. Mark Goulston, a suicide expert, mentor, writer, and coach, will deliver his keynote “Breaking Through to a Suicidal Mind” from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, in Aliso Hall, Room 108. Goulston’s presentation will focus on suicide awareness and prevention.

These events are made possible with grant funding provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

For more information, visit www.canyons.edu/health or call (661) 362-3259

Anyone seeking information about mental health resources available in the Santa Clarita Valley can click here for a list of resources. There are 24-hour phone numbers available. In the event of an emergency, 911 should always be the first call. Those looking to speak with someone can call:

• 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• 1-800-854-7771 for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
• 1-800-784-2433 for the Treatment Advocacy Center
• 661-259-9439 for the SCV Child & Family Center
• 661-257-9688 for the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project
• 661-263-9371 for Straightening Reins, equine therapy

Ed Note: This story is a press release provided by College of the Canyons