Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

A message from President Brian Noland

Fall is a magical time on campus. The start of the academic year brings with it a plethora of opportunities, experiences, and possibilities. However, amidst the buzz of our vibrant campus life, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, juggling academic pursuits with personal responsibilities and the many extracurricular experiences ETSU has to offer.

Nationally, campuses are witnessing a mental health crisis. Recognizing the gravity of this situation, earlier this month, I signed a proclamation designating September as "Suicide Prevention Awareness Month" at ETSU. The recognition is not just an acknowledgment of the seriousness of the issue but a call to action for each one of us.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider utilizing the following resources:

  • Emergency Support: Call or text 988 or chat on 988lifeline.org. A trained crisis counselor is available for you or someone you are concerned about.
  • ETSU Counseling Center: You can find the Center in the D.P. Culp Student Center, 3rd Floor. Reach out at 423-439-3333 or visit etsu.edu/students/counseling. For immediate help, dial the 24-hour helpline, Bucs Press 2 at 423-439-4841, then Press Option 2.
  • Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic: Make an appointment for the clinic, which is located in Lucille Clement Hall. Contact them at 423-439-7777 or check etsu.edu/cas/psychology/bhwc/.
  • University Health Services: Health Services is located at 160 Roy S. Nicks Hall. Contact 423-439-4225 or visit etsu.edu/nursing/universityhealth/
  • Community Counseling Clinic: Find them at 327 Warf Pickel Hall or view more info at etsu.edu/coe/chs/counseling/clinic.

The ETSU Counseling Center also has introduced the "Be There Certificate," an online module crafted to foster student-to-student support. While it is primarily designed for students, the content can also aid faculty/staff seeking to assist students in distress.

Your mental and emotional wellness is paramount. Never underestimate the positive impacts of physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. Engage in our Forest Walks, attend a yoga class, or burn off stress through a workout at the CPA, all of which can help you find that much-needed harmony.

As part of "WELLcome Week" at ETSU, we have planned special events centered around mental health and wellbeing:

  • Thursday, September 14: Center yourself by participating in "You Belong Here: Yoga and Meditation" at the CPA Courtyard from 6 to 7:15 p.m.
  • Friday, September 15: Join us in uniting for awareness and hope at the "Walk for Hope: Suicide Awareness Vigil and Walk" at the CPA Courtyard at 7 p.m.

At ETSU, we talk a great deal about “going beyond.” I encourage each of you to go above and beyond to be a source of support for one another. Even small acts of kindness can have a huge impact on someone’s day.

Godspeed, and go Bucs.
Brian Noland

A proclamation, signed by President Brian Noland, that reads: WHEREAS, suicide is one of the most disruptive and tragic events a family and a community can experience, with more than 1,100 lives lost in Tennessee each year and an estimated 25 attempted suicides for each suicide death; and WHEREAS, suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in Tennessee, the third leading cause of death among youth and young adults ages 10 to 24 as well as the second leading cause of death for adults ages 35-44 and the sixth leading cause of death for adults ages 45-54; and WHEREAS, more than three lives a day are lost to suicide in Tennessee, which means we lose 21 Tennesseans each week and 97 people per month; and WHEREAS, Tennessee veterans, active-duty military, and National Guardsmen face a disproportionate risk as compared to the general population, with more dying from suicide than combat; and WHEREAS, public awareness of this tragic problem is the key to preventing further suffering and loss of life; and the risk for human self-destruction can be reduced through awareness, education, and treatment as the highest risk for suicide is among the survivors of those who died by suicide or those who have attempted suicide; and WHEREAS, suicide prevention has been declared a state priority by the Governor; and the Tennessee Legislature has declared teen suicide prevention as a state priority in partnership with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network to implement the Tennessee Strategy for Suicide Prevention; and WHEREAS, Tennessee is a national leader in the effort to prevent suicide, being one of the first states to develop a suicide prevention and evaluation plan covering the lifespan; and WHEREAS, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States; and WHEREAS, the Governor of Tennessee has appointed a Suicide Prevention Network Advisory Council to coordinate the implementation of the Tennessee Strategy for Suicide Prevention; and WHEREAS, the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network is a grassroots collaboration of Tennesseans and organizations working to eliminate the stigma of suicide, educate the community about the warning signs of suicide, and ultimately reduce the rate of suicide in our state; and WHEREAS, every member of our community should understand that throughout life’s struggles we all need occasional reminders that we are all silently fighting our own battles; and WHEREAS, we encourage all Tennesseans to take the time to inquire as to the wellbeing of their family, friends, and to genuinely convey their appreciation for their existence by any gesture they deem appropriate. A simple phone call, message, handshake, or hug can go a long way toward helping someone realize that suicide is not the answer; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Brian Noland, President of East Tennessee State University, do hereby proclaim September 2023, as SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH at East Tennessee State University and do urge all citizens to work to prevent suicide and to raise awareness and tolerance around all people affected by this tragedy. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month September 2023

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