On Friday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m., a bench near Kate’s Gymnasium of the Rec Center on Ashland’s campus was unveiled. It is a yellow bench that encourages students who need it to contact 988, a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and was donated by Josh’s Benches for Awareness, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness and sharing local resources for mental health. 

 The opening was accompanied by several speakers who touched on the tragedy of suicide and importance of mental health awareness, including Janel Molnar, the faculty advisor of the Student Wellness Team, Sarah Watson, the president of the Student Wellness Team, David Ross, executive director of the Ashland County Mental Health Board, and Rob Pool.  

Each of the speakers touched on the importance of taking care of one’s mental health and how students can do so with resources available to them.  

“Suicide continues to be the second leading cause of death for college students in the United States.” said Sarah Watson during her speech, touching on the relevance of the issue and importance of taking care of one’s mental health. 

After the speeches were over, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the new bench and following this, members of the community in attendance were able to talk to the speakers.  

“They’re loved for, and they’re cared for…There is always someone to talk to and there is a lot to look forward to for them.” said Janel Molnar to students on campus who might not have been able to attend.  

Any Ashland University student is able to access psychological counseling services on the university’s website at Psychological Counseling Services | Ashland. 

For more information on organizations and upcoming events on campus, visit Engage Ashland.