Saturday
marked the end of Suicide Prevention Week nationwide, but it doesn’t mean activity is slowing in the slightest for Ball State’s Alive Campaign.
“We are a newer organization on campus," said Carmen Diaz, executive director of Ball State's chapter of Alive Campaign. “People haven’t been aware of it, so the work that we are doing is so important.”
The Alive Campaign is a student-run group at Ball State that raises awareness about preventing suicide. The group prefers to be called a “Life Appreciation Group” and believes that something as simple as a reason to live can make a big difference.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that someone
in the U.S. died by suicide every 13.7 minutes in 2010. According to the
Center for Disease Control, suicides outranked car accidents in that
year as well. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death for ages
10-24.
“We try to tell people it’s OK to not be OK some times,” Diaz
said. “But you don’t have to be alone and it is only temporary and it’s
going to get better.”
Origins of the Alive Campaign trace back to Waco, Texas. Five friends began a grueling 4,000-mile bike ride from Waco to Anchorage, Alaska in 2008. The trip was a way to show the many reasons for living to a friend that had attempted suicide. The trip would also raise awareness on the subject for anyone they met along the way.
Ball State’s chapter of the Alive Campaign was the second group of its kind when it formed in August 2008. Now it is the only remaining Alive Campaign collection in the country. Even the original group of guys doesn’t function as part of the Alive Campaign anymore.
The Alive Campaign also works
with the East Central Indiana Suicide Prevention Coalition to provide
services for citizens in the communities surrounding the university. The two groups will put on a number of different events
this week in hopes of raising awareness.
“People can be saved and lives can be changed for the better,”
said Chris Drapeau, co-founder of the ECISPC. “Having organizations like the Alive Campaign
increases the probability that these outcomes can and will occur.”
National Suicide Prevention Week events included a proclamation from
Mayor Dennis Tyler, a candlelight vigil on campus and training sessions
held by members of the Alive Campaign and ECISPC.
Blue ribbons will worn
to build understanding throughout the week.
“It’s more than just a color or showing that you care about it,”
said Brandon Puszkiewcz, Alive Campaign public relations director. “I
see it as a symbol of hope and a way to connect with people on the
issue.”
From here, Ball State's Alive Campaign will join thousands of
survivors and advocates from all over Indiana for the Out of the
Darkness 5k Walk on Saturday. The walk will be at 2:30 p.m. at White River State Park in Indianapolis.
Ball State's Alive Campaign raised $350 for the walk hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The group’s original goal was $250.
“After being a part of everything that has gone on this week, I can say this is the most fulfilled I’ve felt and the most satisfied I’ve been with the work that we’re doing.” Diaz said.
The Alive Campaign meets at 9 p.m.
on Wednesdays in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center Pineshelf Room on
the second floor. All are welcome and encouraged to visit.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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