Every year, more than 800,000 people die from suicide. 

Suicide prevention is especially important on college campuses, since suicide is the second leading cause of death in the world for those ages 15-29, according to the World Health Organization.  

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Counseling Services is holding its fourth annual Suicide Prevention Week Sept. 19-23 to help combat suicide.

The purpose of Suicide Prevention Week is to educate about campus mental health resources, reduce overall stigma concerning behavioral health issues, and promote help seeking behavior.

Suicide Prevention Week will kick off with three selfie photo stations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19. The photo stations will be located in the foyer of the Donaghey Student Center and at tents near the Engineering and Information Technology Building and the University Commons Lawn area. UALR students and employees are encouraged to take photos and post them to social media with the hashtag #UALRSPW to raise awareness of suicide prevention.

The events will continue with brain games from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, in Donaghey Student Center Diamond Café. Brain games will feature mindball. On loan from the Museum of Discovery, the game measures brainwaves and challenges players to calm their minds in order to keep the ball from moving toward them.

Magician Aaron Acosta will also provide entertainment during brain games. Acosta has generously donated 25 percent of his fee to the Suicide Prevention Week Foundation.

Suicide Prevention Week will conclude with a proclamation by Chancellor Andrew Rogerson on the importance of suicide prevention and a memorial balloon release in honor of those affected by suicide.

The proclamation and balloon release will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at Donaghey Student Center Diamond Café and mall area. There will be live music, and Sodexo will provide a dessert bar.

For more information, contact UALR Counseling Services at ualr.edu/counseling or call 501.569.3185.