MACOMB, IL. – Western Illinois University Athletics is partnering with the Western Illinois University Counseling Center throughout September to raise awareness about suicide prevention, mental health resources, and the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
As part of Suicide Awareness Month, Western Illinois Athletics will use several home athletic events throughout September to help spread an important message: you are not alone, help is available, and reaching out can save a life.
The awareness initiative will be highlighted at Western Illinois home events beginning in September, including women's soccer on September 13, men's soccer on September 17, and volleyball's two-match series on September 25-26. Western Illinois Athletics has designated these events as opportunities to promote suicide awareness, with Purple Suicide Awareness T-shirts being distributed at select events while supplies last.
The partnership with the Western Illinois University Counseling Center will provide students, student-athletes, fans, faculty, staff and community members with information about mental health resources available on campus and throughout the community. In addition, attendees will be encouraged to learn more about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free and confidential resource available by calling or texting 988.
Throughout the September events, Western Illinois Athletics and the University Counseling Center will work together to provide educational materials and visibility for the 988 Lifeline. The initiative will also encourage members of the Leatherneck community to look out for one another, start conversations about mental health and connect friends, teammates and classmates with available resources.
The initiative will feature a strong visual presence at Western Illinois home athletic events, including purple-themed elements and Suicide Awareness messaging. Purple Suicide Awareness T-shirts will help bring attention to the cause while encouraging fans and members of the campus community to learn more about available resources.
September Suicide Awareness Events:
September 13: Women's Soccer vs. Illinois State
Purple Out / Free Suicide Awareness Month T-Shirt Give Away
September 17: Men's Soccer vs. Omaha University
Purple Out / Free Suicide Awareness Month T-Shirt Give Away
September 25-26: Volleyball vs. SEMO
Purple Out / Free Suicide Awareness Month T-Shirt Give Away
Western Illinois Athletics encourages everyone attending these events to take a moment to learn the signs, check in with the people around them and remember the simple message at the center of the campaign:
