SAVE hosts Suicide Awareness & Mental Health Walk on SUNY Oswego’s campus

OSWEGO, N.Y. – September is Suicide Awareness Month and the community is coming together for the cause. SAVE, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, held its annual walk on SUNY Oswego’s campus at Marano Campus Center. 

“There wasn’t really anything for the community for suicide awareness, so this has been a very important annual event,” SAVE Committee Member, Teresa Woolson said. She has a very important connection to suicide, and is a very active volunteer.

“My son died in 2012 from synthetic drugs,” Woolson said.

The Suicide Awareness Walk was open to the public for anyone to participate, including students. 

“‘I am a four-time suicide attempt survivor and I lost my best friend to suicide, so I do what I can to support the cause,” SUNY Oswego Student Josh Ianniello said.

Ianniello participated in the walk with some of his friends. He said that people need to speak up more about their mental health and should not be scared to reach out.

“There is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health and people need to not be afraid to speak up and share their story because it will inspire others to share their own stories,” Ianniello said.

People who are struggling with mental health and suicidal thoughts are encouraged to reach out to anyone with an ear. 

If you or anyone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health please reach out to the Suicide Hotline at 988.