The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is fighting the epidemic of suicide by holding a suicide prevention walk on Saturday, April 2.

UA Little Rock Counseling Services is partnering with the Arkansas chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to hold the fourth annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk for Suicide Prevention beginning at the Donaghey Student Center mall area.

“Having the walk on campus will encourage people to have conversations about the serious issue of suicide,” said Dr. Mike Kirk, director of UA Little Rock Counseling Services. “We also want to promote seeking help from a mental health professional as a positive behavior that healthy individuals participate in when appropriate.”

Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. with vendors, food, and music. The opening ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. followed by a one-mile walk around campus to promote suicide prevention.

The event is open to UA Little Rock students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the public. There is no cost to participate. Any participant who raises $100 will receive a T-shirt. Those who cannot attend the walk in person can also join as virtual walkers. All proceeds will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

About 1,100 college students die from suicide every year, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In Arkansas, suicide is the third leading cause of death for those aged 15-24 and the 10th leading cause of death in the state.

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.

Participants may register for the walk at afsp.org/ualr. For more information, contact Aresh Assadi at 501-906-3185 or axassadi@ualr.edu.