The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Ashland County is hosting a suicide prevention and awareness walk on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 1:30 p.m. at AU.

“We like to say that ‘suicide prevention is everyone’s business,’” David Ross, associate director of the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Ashland County said. “What we mean by that is everyone has a part to play in preventing suicide.”

The American Foundation for suicide prevention says that suicide is the 11th leading cause of death and the second leading cause of death for people between 15 and 34 years old.

“We’d like the students to be involved in the walk and pick up the available resources because it’s very likely that they’re going to know someone struggling with the thoughts of suicide,” Ross said.

The students of Ashland University are getting involved in this awareness program, including the women’s lacrosse team.

Women’s lacrosse coach, Shaun Williamson, says the team saw the impact of suicide on one of their opponents as the team they were playing had lost a teammate to suicide.

There are 230 people signed up to walk and hopefully more to come, Ross said.

There will be resources for prevention available at the event and a meal of soup and bread will be provided afterward for the participants.

“The information available at the walk can make the difference in helping save a life this year,” Ross said. “[There will be] a time to network with others who are interested in making suicide prevention their business.”

The walk will leave on Sunday from the John C. Myers Convocation Center.

“We feel it is invaluable that this is talked about and recognized on a college campus,” Williamson said.