Lost loved ones will be remembered as candles are lit at a candlelight vigil tonight.
“Suicide is a blacklisted topic and people don’t realize how many people are affected by it,” said Carmen Diaz, president of The Alive Campaign. “We really like to bring people together. It’s amazing to see people unite over something that not many people are comfortable with dealing with.”
The National Suicide Prevention Week event is at 7:30 p.m. on the University Green, between the College of Architecture and Planning building and Bracken Library.
Those who have lost loved ones to suicide, survivors and people with depression can light a candle during the vigil.
There will be tables to provide information about mental health and suicide prevention, and guest speakers will share their stories.
At 8 p.m., the candle lighting will begin and people will say the name of the loved one they are honoring during the vigil, followed by a moment of silence.
Events will continue for the week, with three more chances to be a part of National Suicide Prevention Week.
At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, there will be free community “Question, Persuade and Refer” training at Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road. The focus will be on how to help in an encounter with a person contemplating suicide. To register, email your name and contact information to ecispc@gmail.com or call Chris Drapeau at 219-730-6765.
At 4 p.m. Friday, the safeTALK Suicide Prevention Training will take place in the YMCA Community Room, 310 E. Charles St. To register, contact Travis Bemis-Smiley at 765-747-9107, though registration is limited to 30 people.
To close out the week, the city of Muncie and Muncie Community Schools will host the Back to School Anti-Bullying and Suicide Prevention Fun Fair. The event will be from 2-6 p.m. Saturday at Canan Commons in downtown Muncie.
