In honor of September being National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, eight members of Muhlenberg Job Corps’ Student Government Association and Youth2Youth organization participated in the Pennyroyal Center’s Let’s Talk Walk on Sept. 21. The students, Damion Douglas, Michelle Swift, Destiny Boyd, Marquez Simmons, Erica Lopez, Joshua Lee, Armand Planter and Xavier Thompson, were accompanied by Administrative Assistant Amy Kline and SPO Assistant Joseph McConnell. The event included a silent auction, cardboard testimonies and a 30-minute walk at Central City’s Lu-Ray Park. The goal of the Let’s Talk Walk was to raise awareness about suicide and work toward eliminating suicides in the counties of Todd, Trigg, Christian, Muhlenberg, Hopkins, Caldwell, Crittenden and Lyon.

SGA Sergeant at Arms Xavier Thompson said the event made him realize that lots of people need help but may be afraid to seek it or talk to others about their feelings. He also mentioned that SGA members discussed at a recent meeting the idea of having more student mentors who are available to talk to fellow students who may need help.

Suicide currently ranks as the second leading cause of death for people ages 15-34. The message during the month of September is simple: suicide is preventable, and there is help available to those in need.

If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Representing Muhlenberg Job Corps at the Let's Talk Walk are, front row, left to right, Damion Douglas, Amy Kline, Michelle Swift, Destiny Boyd and Marquez Simmons; back row, Erica Lopez, Joshua Lee, Armand Planter, Xavier Thompson and Joseph McConnell.