Phi Kappa Psi Participates in Suicide Prevention Week
Indianapolis (August 24, 2017) – Phi Kappa Psi is partnering with Take 5 to Save Lives to fight suicide on college campuses across the nation. This is part of the Fraternity’s ELEVATE the Conversation program. Chapters and colonies are encouraged to use the Chapter Toolkit to help break the silence surrounding mental health. Suicide Prevention Week is September 10 – 16, with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. The theme for this year is Take a minute, change a life.
More than 800,000 people die by suicide each year—one person every 40 seconds. Twenty-five times that many make an attempt. Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity recognizes that even our members are vulnerable to suicidal thoughts, and that’s why we are proud to be an active participant in National Suicide Prevention Week. Communities have an important role to play in supporting those who are vulnerable. Chapters are supportive groups for members who can help brothers overcome the stigma and seek the help they may need.
“Phi Kappa Psi is dedicated to supporting our members in their endeavor to become men of excellence,” said Phi Kappa Psi National President, Jim Boyle. “By participating in National Suicide Prevention Week, our members become capable of helping those in need. It also shows our unwavering support to our brothers suffering from suicidal thoughts.”
The Creed of Phi Kappa Psi calls on members to give aid and sympathy for those who need it. While no one has every answer to mental health and suicidal tendencies, the fraternity hopes to foster compassion and empathy for those needing aid. Hosting vigils is one of many ways to provide support, even for someone afraid of addressing their issues publicly.
Join us as we take on suicide. You can participate by sharing information on social media, or reach out to a local chapter.
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Headquartered in Indianapolis, Phi Kappa Psi was founded in 1852 when William Henry Letterman and Charles Page Thomas Moore were students at Jefferson College in the foothills of Western Pennsylvania. The two were nursing and watching over their stricken friends during an epidemic of typhoid fever at the college. Through the long night vigils, the two established a group that was founded upon the great joy they received from selflessly helping others. Today, Phi Kappa Psi is a national fraternity of more than 80,000 living brothers who promote integrity by further developing their intellect and serving as strong community stewards. With a legacy built on acceptance and trust, each brother realizes his highest potential.