Murray’s community-led suicide prevention event raised awareness for mental health support and resources this past weekend.
On Saturday, April 26, campus and community members gathered in front of the Susan E. Bauernfeind Recreation and Wellness Center for the 3rd annual Lifewalk Suicide Prevention Walk. Organizers provided water, snacks, music and informational resources for attendees before the 1.67-mile walk began.
Sean Slusher, Wellness Center custodial and maintenance service team lead, said he began the Lifewalk program as a way of helping himself and his community at the same time. After his own longtime struggle with mental health and suicidal thoughts, he felt inspired by suicide prevention organizations like Out of the Darkness.
“(Suicide) is a sensitive topic, even kind of controversial, but that’s the reason why I’m trying to make a difference,” Slusher said. “Even if it takes a gathering for one person to remain with us living and breathing, it matters.”
Slusher and three represented organizations gave speeches before the walk. Michael Carmichael spoke on behalf of Check A Vet, a national organization he founded to combat veteran suicide.
“Just being here is so powerful in trying to raise awareness against suicide,” Carmichael said. “It’s about caring for people and paying attention.”
He said there are four warning signs he wanted everyone to leave the event knowing: relationship struggles, financial constraints, “catastrophic” medical conditions and legal trouble.
“When you see somebody who’s maybe not doing well, at least you’ll have a place to start,” Carmichael said.
Donation proceeds from this year’s walk went to Check A Vet and the Murray State department of psychology.
Organizations present at the Lifewalk event included the Murray State department of psychology, Check A Vet, Acadia Counseling, Bridges Family Center and the National Alliance for Mental Illnesses.
Skyler Branstetter, sophomore graphic design major, said she heard about Lifewalk at the Wellness Center and believed it was raising awareness for an important cause.
“It opens up resources for people who are struggling (and) creates a support group for them,” Branstetter said. “I feel like it’s hard for someone who’s not depressed to get into that mindset. A lot of depression comes from this sense of alienation and loneliness, so it’s good to have a big group to show the support that’s here.”
After completing the Walk, Slusher said this year had a slightly smaller turnout than the 2024 walk, but he was satisfied with how it went.
Slusher said he plans to move the Lifewalk Suicide Prevention Walk to September going forward to align with suicide awareness month.