The Rundown

For the longest time, there are some forms where art has been known to help heal and show expressions. On April 19th, the SBSA(The Social Behaviiral Science Association) will be hosting an art showcase to benefit the Out of the Darkness Walk, which is an event dedicated to raising awareness and support for suicide prevention. Collaborating with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Holy Family will bring together their students and community members for a campus walk, uniting in the fight against suicide and offering help to those affected.

SBSA Walk

As you can see, Holy Family University’s Social and Behavioral Sciences Association (SBSA) has previously organized the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk, an event sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to promote awareness about suicide and mental health. The walk starts at the Campus Center and continues to Fleuhr Park, and has remained an amazing event to show awareness despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. SBSA Co-presidents Shannon McCombs and Nina Danko expressed their pride in the community’s resilience, highlighting the importance of coming together to support suicide prevention efforts. With suicide being the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10-21, the AFSP continues to fund research, education, and advocacy to tackle this critical issue.

How to get involved 

To participate in the upcoming event, there’s a $5 entry fee required. This fee is essential as every dollar raised will go directly to supporting the walk. This event is not just about raising funds but also about bringing the community together to support a great cause. By contributing, you’re helping to make a significant impact. If you’re interested in contributing any artwork or media for the event, please make sure to send your submissions to sbsa@holyfamily.edu. They encourage all forms of creativity, whether it’s paintings, digital art, photography, or any other form of media. Someone’s creativity can help inspire others and bring more attention to the cause we are supporting. For those who wish to donate the $5 entry fee, you can easily do so by visiting the donation link (https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/index.cfmfuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=10546 ) .

After you make your donation, please take a screenshot of the “thank you email” you receive and send it over. This step is crucial as it confirms your participation and helps us keep track of all contributions. Once all entries are in, the SBSA will carefully review and select the top 5 artists based on their submissions. These top 5 pieces will then be featured on the SBSA Instagram page, where all students can vote for their favorites. This is a great opportunity to get your work seen by a bigger audience and to engage with the community. After the voting period ends, the top 3 artists will have their work showcased online, along with a special shoutout on Instagram. This recognition is a testament to your hard work and talent. 

Awards

On the day of the walk, the selected artwork will be displayed in person throughout the event area. This allows participants and attendees to enjoy and appreciate the creativity and effort put into each piece. The artists who place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd will receive ribbons to acknowledge their achievements and dedication. These ribbons are a symbol of your contribution and hard work. Additionally, the winner will be awarded a $20 Amazon Gift Card as a token of our appreciation for their exceptional contribution.

AFSP

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a national nonprofit organization focused on preventing suicide and supporting those impacted by it. Established in 1987, AFSP funds scientific research, provides educational programs, and advocates for policies that enhance mental health care and suicide prevention efforts. The organization also offers resources and support for survivors of suicide loss, aiding them in navigating grief and healing. Through initiatives like the Out of the Darkness Walks, AFSP raises awareness and unites communities to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. With chapters in all 50 states, AFSP is committed to its mission of creating a world without suicide. There are so many ways to get involved, whether it’s community walks, campus walks, or even an overnight walk, there are plenty of ways to help get involved and contribute to a very serious cause that troubles tons of families each and everyday. You can find out more through their website at https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=2326 . 

The Out of the Darkness Walk ran by the Social Behavioral Sciences Association at Holy Family University is a powerful reminder of the significance of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Despite obstacles getting in the way like the COVID-19 pandemic for example, the event has continued to unite students, faculty, and the surrounding community in support of this crucial cause. By coming together to walk, raise funds, and share messages of hope, this demonstrates to everyone that no one has to face their struggles alone. The event not only honors those lost to suicide but also reinforces the commitment to breaking the shame surrounding mental health. Through efforts like these, Holy Family University and many other colleges, along with high schools plays a vital role in promoting awareness, support, and advocacy, bringing us one step closer to a world without suicide.

Written by Mason Beck.