Did you know that suicide is now the second leading cause of death for youth? Or that 50% of mental illness originates before the age of 14 and 75% before the age of 24? Or that it takes the average individual 8-10 years to get help? 

We need to create change. Two of the largest barriers for those that need help but don't get it are lack of education on the signs and symptoms of mental illness and stigma.  

This year, our team is participating in the 1N5 Warrior Run, a 5K in Mariemont, that raises money for mental health education in schools. I'd love for you to walk or run the 5K with me, or consider donating to my fundraising page.

As part of the Xavier University team, we are participating in the College Challenge, which means all money raised will go to support mental health programming on campus. At Xavier, we are working to reduce stigma around mental health, increase suicide prevention efforts, and create a culture of wellbeing on campus. 

Our past participation in the Warrior Run has enabled several Xavier staff to become certified to teach QPR (suicide prevention training) to our community, and thus far, we have trained over 600 students, faculty, and staff in QPR. This is just one example of how we are working to improve mental health on campus and decrease suicide risk.

If you have questions about mental health, mental illness, or what 1N5 does please visit http://www.1n5.org.