Carson-Newman, Jefferson County and Jefferson City leadership recognize September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

 Leadership of Carson-Newman, Jefferson County and Jefferson City united in support of bringing awareness to the seriousness of suicide in Tennessee.

In support of efforts by the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, Jefferson City Mayor Mitch Cain, Carson-Newman University President Charles A. Fowler and Jefferson County Mayor Mark Potts signed proclamations recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. 

According to the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, suicide is the tenth-leading cause of death in Tennessee, claiming over 1,000 lives per year. It is the second-leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10-24.

“It is heartbreaking to see the data on suicide in our great state,” Fowler said. “When one stops and realizes that behind each statistic is a unique individual and an untold number of loved ones left hurting, it stands to reason why it is important to bring attention to this issue. I am grateful that our community leaders and staff in University Counseling Services share a desire to help those who may be suffering in a caring and distinctively Christ-like way.”

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) provides access to trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Carson-Newman will host Suicide Prevention Soccer Games on Sept. 29, with the women’s team playing at 5 p.m. and the men’s team playing at 7:30 p.m. Special activities are planned. Community and student mental health resources will be available.

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a Christian liberal arts-based university affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. The University is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Carson-Newman offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.