April 06, 2022
LRU to Host Out of the Darkness Walk
PITTSBURGH, April 6, 2022 – La Roche University will partner with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to host an Out of the Darkness Walk on Friday, April 22 at 6 p.m.
The event will raise awareness and much-needed funds while strongly sending the message that suicide is preventable, and that no one is alone.
“The idea is to bring people together over mental health issues that have affected so many of us,” Steven Munshower, La Roche student and event co-chair, said. “It’s an event with a supportive community unified under the same cause to prevent suicide and foster wellness.”
The walk is part of a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about the importance of mental health; it is free and open to the public. No minimum donation is required. Register at afsp.org/laroche.
“The event allows us to bring people together and reassure them that their life is precious," Aaran Brabson, La Roche student and event co-chair, added.
Check-in and pre-walk activities begin at 5 p.m. on Bold Hall lawn, followed by an opening ceremony at 6 p.m.
The Out of the Darkness Campus Walks are the AFSP’s signature student fundraising series, designed to engage youth and young adults in the fight to prevent suicide, the second leading cause of death among people ages 15-24.
Last year La Roche entered a four-year partnership with JED Campus to focus on enhancing and expanding mental health services to the whole campus community. As a signature program of The JED Foundation, JED Campus offers schools customized support to help build upon existing student mental health, substance use and suicide prevention efforts.
AFSP funds research, spreads education, provides support to those affected by suicide and advocates for smart public policy.
For more information contact Aaran Brabson at aaran.brabson@stu.laroche.edu or Steven Munshower at steven.munshower@stu.laroche.edu.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 66 undergraduate programs of study, six master’s degrees and one doctoral degree, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for nearly 1,300 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
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