BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –The WE LEAD Invisible Illness team from West Virginia Wesleyan College will be hosting a Suicide Prevention Walk on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Wesleyan Chapel steps. Registration for the walk is at 9 a.m., with a guest speaker kicking off the walk at 9:30 a.m. The walk will start at Wesley Chapel, continue down Camden Avenue, and around the larger loop at the river walk.

There will be stations throughout the walk in remembrance of those impacted by suicide, currently struggling, and for all those who provide support to others. The invisible illness team recognizes that mental health as a whole is a challenge in the greater community and invites the public to join us on this day. A $5 suggested donation for participation will go to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988). In return, participants will receive a keychain to collect the remembrance beads.

“While we want to envision a world where mental health isn’t a challenge, we are so aware that many people across campus and in the greater community experience these daily challenges,” Director of Community Engagement Jessica Vincent ‘12 said. “It’s our hope that with the right resources and reminders that every person matters, we can play a bigger role in suicide prevention.  This walk is just one of the ways we can remember those who have been impacted while continuing to support those who are struggling.” 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE

West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan one of its 2022 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan a “Top 20” Best Value – Regional Universities (South) and one of the “Top 75” Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 40 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, and nursing; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 70 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.