East Central Community College is taking steps to raise awareness about mental health issues and suicide prevention on college campuses.

In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, ECCC will host a series of events from Tuesday, Sept. 3, through Wednesday, Sept. 11, aimed at engaging students, faculty and the broader community in important conversations about suicide prevention.

Students are encouraged to drop by the office of Jennifer Savell, ECCC’s mental health counselor, in Room 114 of the Smith Student Union between Sept. 3 and Friday, Sept. 6, to write a name, personal message or memory on a flag marker. These flags will represent the approximately 1,100 U.S. college students who tragically take their own lives each year. Whether personally affected or touched by someone who has attempted suicide, students are invited to participate in this meaningful tribute.

Then on Tuesday, Sept. 10, ECCC will display the 1,100 flag markers on the front lawn of the campus as a powerful visual tribute to those lost to suicide. The display aims to raise awareness of mental health issues on college campuses and to encourage open conversations about suicide prevention, according to an ECCC news release. The public is invited to walk through the display, reflect and honor the memories of those represented.

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, ECCC will host its annual suicide awareness event at 6 p.m. in Brackeen-Wood Gymnasium. The event is themed “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the #StartTheConversation hashtag.The evening will feature guest speakers Kimberly Farmer from the Attorney General’s office and Frankie Johnson from the Central Mississippi Residential Center. Both will share insights and strategies for suicide prevention. Additionally, ECCC’s Small Voice Ensemble will perform, offering musical reflection on the evening’s theme.  

The annual suicide awareness event is open to the public, and ECCC encourages community residents to come out and listen to these speakers and help change the narrative on suicide to better foster an environment where everyone feels supported and valued.