Addams Officials Aim to Raise Awareness During Suicide Prevention Week

That’s why Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook will join thousands of other folks around the country in observing National Suicide Prevention Week Sept. 8-14 with a week of planned activities.

“Our goal is to raise awareness among our students and staff,” saidJane Addams Counselor Dina Esposito. “We want to make everyone aware of the problem and aware that there is help available out there.”

Throughout the week, donations will be taken at Jane Addams for the Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk for suicide prevention. The 16-18 mile walk throughout the night, organized by The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), is designed to make a bold statement to bring the issue of suicide out into the light.

AFSP is dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.

Among the scheduled activities at Jane Addams:

• Monday, Sept. 9: Orange Day (the designated color of support from “To Write Love on her Arms”, a story that went viral about someone who struggled with self-injury and addiction and the five days preceding her entry into treatment. The story led to the formation of a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.)
• Tuesday, Sept. 10: Yellow Day (for self-harm prevention)
• Wednesday, Sept. 11: Purple Day (the color of suicide prevention)
• Thursday, Sept. 12: Turquoise Day (the color of suicide prevention ribbons)
• Friday, Sept. 13: School Spirit Day (to show Addams support the cause)