Dear CSUN Community,

It’s that time of year again…Summer is winding down, Autumn is just around the corner, and our campus has burst with life again, with the start of the Fall 2014 semester.

What you might not realize is that September is also designated as Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is a major community health issue that impacts each and every one of us, whether through our own private suicidal thoughts or even personal or professional loss. It claims lives without regard to age, income, education, social standing, race, or gender. Every year, nearly a million people in the United States attempt suicide.

The good news is that suicide is preventable. You can get help and give help. Here on campus, the CSUN Ray of Hope Suicide Prevention and Awareness Program is a new initiative to promote suicide alertness and prevention through education, open dialogue, and access to community resources.

With this call to action, we urge you to take the pledge to TALK openly, and understand that talking about suicide does not cause someone to become suicidal.

Tell someone if you are struggling or need help and reach out and tell someone if you are worried about their safety.

Ask someone, directly, if you think they may be trying to talk to you about suicide.

Listen to others without judgment if they need to talk.

Keep everyone safe by connecting to supports and resources and helping others to feel okay about getting help.

In science, a ray starts from a central point and continues on, seemingly forever. It is our hope that we start the conversation about suicide here at CSUN and that the following message continues to reach as many people as possible:

Always remember that our most valuable resource is each other. When one of us faces a challenge, we all must stand together. By fighting as one team, we can – and we will – help prevent suicide.

Thank you,

From the CSUN Ray of Hope Team

Check out the rest of The Sundial’s Mental Health Issue in a special section here.