The National Institute of Mental Health reports that every year roughly 13 out of 100,000 young adults between the ages of 20 and 24 die by suicide. Last Sunday, October 18, the University of Rhode Island hosted its 7th annual 5k run/walk to support mental health initiatives and suicide prevention. This walk was intended to bring awareness to mental health services on and around campus. In the past, this event has been hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention as the Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide awareness and prevention. This year, URI privately hosted the event.
The race was held this year on October 18, 2015 and focused on ‘celebrating self.’ The Be 5K allowed participants to self-define what it mean to “Be” while building awareness and a supportive community. URI President, David Dooley, attended the race and shared some remarks.
The Be 5K Race and Walk was sponsored by the Feinstein Center for Service Learning, MARC’s Foundation, and Heather’s Fund. Student organizations such as P.I.N.K Women, B.O.N.D, Alpha Epsilon Pi, and the Student Alumni Association made up a significant portion of the student body attendees. It was admirable to see the solidarity of these student groups as they honored loved ones that live with mental health related issues or have lost their lives.
All of the proceeds from the event went to raising mental health awareness and furthering suicide prevention efforts on the URI campus.