Programs to Mark Suicide and Depression Awareness Week

Suicide and Depression Awareness Week --- a part of Ithaca College’s suicide prevention effort --- will be held in October to teach the campus community how to recognize, approach, and support a suicidal student and how to help the student get professional care. Coordinated by the counseling center and supported by a grant from the Rodd D. Brickell Foundation, the events will include programs for faculty, staff, and students (see box).

Ralph L. V. Rickgarn, a certified grief counselor and founder of the Community Response Team at the University of Minnesota, will conduct the programs. The author of Perspectives on College Student Suicide, Rickgarn has 30 years’ experience as a campus suicide educator and counselor.

For more information, contact Mark Bischoff at 274-3136 or mbischoff@ithaca.edu.

FOR DESIGNATED STAFF MEMBERS

• Wednesday, October 10; Counseling Center
  An intensive, half-day clinical training workshop on dealing with a suicidal student; for the professional staff of the counseling center.
• Monday-Wednesday, October 8-10; Various Locations
  Two-hour training sessions on suicide awareness, for staff members in the Hammond Health Center, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Offices of Academic Support Services for Students with Disabilities, the Chaplains, International Programs, Multicultural Affairs, Campus Safety, and Residential Life (including RAs).

FOR FACULTY MEMBERS

• Tuesday, October 9, Noon-1:00 p.m.; Clark Lounge, Egbert Hall
  A faculty development colloquium on teaching about suicide awareness.
• Tuesday, October 9, 4:00-6:00 p.m.; Klingenstein Lounge, Egbert Hall
  "Suicide Awareness for Faculty as Teachers and Advisers," a workshop on the incidence of student suicide, how faculty may learn of a student’s suicidal thoughts, ways to help the student seek professional care, and the aftermath of providing such help. The workshop is free, but preregistration is required.

FOR STUDENTS

• Wednesday, October 10, 7:00 p.m.; Pub/Coffeehouse, Phillips Hall
  "From Blue to Black: College Student Depression and Suicide," an open forum. Ralph Rickgarn will discuss suicide warning signs, how to help someone who is depressed or suicidal, and how to deal with the aftermath of suicide. Students will be able to ask questions and seek assistance.
• Thursday, October 11, Noon-4:00 p.m.; McDonald and Klingenstein Lounges, Egbert Hall
  National Depression Screening Day, an opportunity for students to complete a free and anonymous depression questionnaire, review the results, and discuss follow-up options with counseling center and health center staff.