APSU is collaborating with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network to spread awareness of mental health resources on campus.

 APSU is teaming up with the Speak Up organization to offer resources and discuss suicide prevention and mental health advocacy to college students.

Several COMM classes are involved in TSPN’s semester plans, including Mike Dunn’s COMM 3910 class.

“Dr. Hicks-Goldston is friends with Dr. Mani Hull who works for the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network,” Dunn said.

“My COMM 3910 class is working on media packets for the organization.”

Dunn’s COMM 3910 class will create social media packets for the Speak Up organization.

They will write television and radio spots, develop media contact templates, organize theoretical events that the organization may use and critique current social media of the organization.

“We are working on an event for the end of the semester,” Dunn said.

“More information to come on that event.”

The TSPN is currently collaborating with the Jason Foundation, Inc. to garner signatures for an official license plate.

Tennessee will be the first state in the union to offer suicide prevention license plates. TSPN’s goal is to get 1,000 sold by December.

Several students in Mr. Dunn’s class expressed interest in helping the Speak Up organization.

They also expressed previous ignorance of the topic of suicide prevention.

“I didn’t know much,” Phillip Thompson, a Corporate Communications majorsaid.

“I just know about people I know that attempted it, and this organization brought more awareness to me about the seriousness of it and how to get help.”

Everyone involved in this year’s program unanimously encourages others to seek help if they are struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.

“I would just say to just encourage yourself to get help,” Thompson said, “and that whatever you’re going through, it’s gonna be all right. Things will work out always.”

If you or a loved one are in a crisis, call 1-800-273-8255 or text 741741. For more information on how to contribute to the TSPN’s goals, visit tspn.org.