Each year, some 811,000 Americans attempt suicide, the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds.

To increase awareness of the warning signs, Purdue University Calumet’s Counseling Center is observing Suicide Prevention Week on campus beginning Sept. 8. Licensed counselors and student interns of Purdue Calumet’s Counseling Center will staff an informational table Sept. 8-10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union & Library concourse.

“We’ll be there to provide information about suicide prevention, warning signs, and how family members and friends can help someone they believe may be contemplating suicide,” Purdue Calumet Counselor Ryan Parsons-Rozycki, M.S., L.M.H.C., N.C.C. said. “Our Counseling Center is highly involved in suicide prevention on campus and throughout northwest Indiana.”

In fact, the Purdue Calumet Counseling Center and the Northwest Indiana Suicide Prevention Council are co-hosting on campus the conference, “Faces of Suicide: Suicide & Self-Injury,” Nov. 5. The conference is intended for therapists, counselors, educators, youth workers, clergy, self-help leaders, parents, volunteers, law enforcement officials and others. Cost to attend is $30 ($40 if professional CEUs are desired). Registration and other information are available by contacting Sandy Appleby of the Geminus Corporation at 219/757-1972 or sandy.appleby@geminus.org.

“We want to increase awareness of the tell-tale signs of suicide among those individuals who interact with people who may be depressed, grieving or otherwise hurting,” Parsons-Rozycki said.

Other information about suicide or suicide prevention can be obtained by contacting Purdue Calumet’s Counseling Center at 219/989-2366 or 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 2366.