Depression Awareness Week 2011

Friday, October 14

Kelly Willard

Gospel singer/songwriter and suicide loss survivor Kelly Willard is the featured guest at this year's Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide awareness and prevention. Kelly began her career in Christian music in 1977 and has been featured on more than two dozen recordings including several solo projects.

Meet, Greet and Eat

1 p.m. in Capitol Eatery, Private Dining Room #1

Kelly Willard in Concert

7 p.m. in the ACC Auditorium; sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ.

Sunday, October 16

The Greater Lycoming County Area “Out of the Darkness” Walk

1-2 p.m. Check-in and Registration

2 p.m. Walk begins at the Bush Campus Center with Guest Speaker Kelly Willard

This 3+ mile walk through Williamsport will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The Out of the Darkness Walk raises money for AFSP's:

vital research and education programs to prevent suicide and save lives,
mission to increase national awareness about depression and suicide, and
continued support for survivors of suicide loss.

In deciding to walk, you help AFSP get closer to making suicide prevention a national priority. If you are interested in walking, register online at outofthedarkness.org.

Monday, October 17

Depression Screenings

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Bush Campus Center, Room 204

Penn College Counseling Services will offer free and confidential mental health assessments.

Tuesday, October 18

DORA Training for Penn College Students

3:30-5 p.m.
Bush Campus Center, Room 205

DORA (Depression OutReach Alliance) is a peer based mental health wellness and suicide prevention program for college students. Participants will be trained to offer support to their friends, family and fellow students who may be battling depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide. Participants will then be encouraged to offer DORA sessions for other students…perhaps other residents in their hall, members of their athletic team, brothers/sisters in their Greek organization, or a small group within their major. The goal is to (1) open up conversation about depression, anxiety, and suicide, (2) reduce the stigma on a campus-wide basis, and (3) get help for those students who need it! Please RSVP to Kristi Hammaker at khammake@pct.edu by Friday, October 13, 2011.

Wednesday, October 19

Candlelight Vigil for Hope and Healing

8 p.m.
The Remembrance Garden (Behind Building Technologies Center, The Market) -Rain Location: Student and Administrative Services Center, Lobby

Join Cozette Stoltzfus, a survivor of suicide loss, as she shares her own experiences, talks about her journey through grief, and shares vital information about support groups and resources that are available for those suffering from loss. If you have been affected by suicide in any way, we encourage you to join us for this time of hope and healing.

Friday, October 21

Wildcat Events Board (WEB) Late Night Party

9 p.m.-midnight
Field House

Blow off some steam!! This late night event will feature an 18-hole black light mini-golf course. All students are invited to participate in what is sure to be a memorable evening.