The Northeast Texas Community College chapter of the Psi Beta honors society will host a Suicide Prevention Conference and 5K Walk to Fight Suicide Saturday, April 23. The event will be held on the NTCC campus and the conference will begin with two speakers at 5 p.m. in the†Whatley Foyer. The walk will begin at 7:30 p.m.
The public is invited to participate in the event. The cost is $20 per person if pre-registered early by April 7 and $25 the day of the walk. T-shirts will be available to those who pre-registered.
Dr. Karyn Skaar, NTCC Psi Beta Advisor and psychology professor, said members wanted to do something to benefit the campus and community. The idea, conference, and walk originated with Latasha Triplett, Psi Beta President. She has a friend, Jessica Caudle, who works with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFPS) in Dallas and will be one of the speakers.
?Suicide is an under recognized problem with tragic results,? Triplett said.
According to Skaar, many people know someone for whom they fear for their safety, but are unsure how to help.
"We hope this event will serve to raise awareness of how someone can help a friend, classmate, colleague, or family member. Suicide warning signs, risk factors, what a concerned individual can do and treatment options will be discussed. Suicide prevention is very possible and effective.†For anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, the thoughts themselves are not uncommon. You are not alone!!? Skaar said.
Psi Beta is the national honor society in psychology for students at two-year colleges. Chapters sponsor programs, activities, and participation in community service projects along with opportunities to present research papers at regional meetings, attend national meetings, and compete for national awards. Students are chosen for membership based on their outstanding overall scholarship and their scholarship in the field of psychology. Psi Beta is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Society.
Please contact Skaar at†kskaar@ntcc.edu†or 903-434-8293 for registration information.
March 24, 2016
