The Chattahoochee Technical College Counseling Department is partnering with the college’s Office of Student Involvement throughout September at every Chattahoochee Tech campus in observance of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This is a dedicated time to come together with collective passion and strength around a difficult topic, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
“We’re spreading the message that suicide is preventable,” said Chattahoochee Tech Director of Counseling Cheri Mattox-Carroll. “While we do not always know who is struggling, we do know that one conversation can change a life. We can all help by connecting with one another and having honest conversations about mental health and suicide.”
At workshops held on every campus, participants are learning about the warning signs and action steps to take in order help people stay alive when depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns cause them to consider suicide, according to Mattox-Carroll. Students, faculty and staff have the opportunity to participate in “Question, Persuade, Refer” (QPR) activities, which help them learn how to identify the possible signs of suicide and how to have a conversation to help. An intensive “SafeTALK” training program also was offered Thursday, Sept. 19, at the North Metro Campus.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to be on the lookout for workshop information posted on the college’s social media channels and flyers, as well as on the college’s digital signage, according to Executive Director of Student Success Alaina Abney. The college’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month activities will culminate on Monday, Sept. 30, at the North Metro Campus with a free film presentation of “The Ripple Effect,” a feature length movie focusing on the devastating effects of suicide and the ripple effects of advocacy, inspiration and hope designed to help others heal. The movie is slated for 6 p.m. that evening at the North Metro Campus in Building D. Kick-off activities will precede the movie at 5:30 p.m., followed by a student discussion panel after the movie.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month at Chattahoochee Tech:
Mountain View Campus – September 3
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Information/Activities, Front Entrance
Paulding Campus – September 4
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Information/Activities, Building B Lobby
QPR Suicide Prevention Workshop, Noon – 1:15 p.m. in B135
Woodstock Campus – September 16
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Information/Activities, The Circuit
QPR Suicide Prevention Workshop, Noon – 1:15 p.m.
Appalachian Campus – September 17
11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Information/Activities, Student Center
QPR Suicide Prevention Workshop B234, Noon – 1:15 p.m.
Canton Campus – September 18
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Information/Activities, Front Lobby
QPR Suicide Prevention Workshop, Noon – 1:15 p.m.
North Metro Campus – September 19
8 a.m. – Noon – Building D Auditorium
“SafeTalk” Training Program
Marietta Campus – September 26
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Information/Activities, Student Atrium
QPR Suicide Prevention Workshop, Noon – 1:15 p.m.
North Metro Campus – September 30
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Information/Activities, Student Center
QPR Suicide Prevention Workshop, Noon – 1:15 p.m.
“The Ripple Effect” Movie – September 30
North Metro Campus, Building D Auditorium
5:30 p.m. kick-off activities with movie at 6 p.m., followed by a student discussion panel