(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Sept. 18, 2020) - - - Columbia State Community College is partnering with Cowboy Up to host “Light Up the Darkness,” a drive-through suicide prevention event, Sept. 24 from 7 – 8 p.m. on the Columbia Campus.

“We are honored to be partnering with Cowboy Up here in Maury County to host their Light Up the Darkness event which brings awareness to suicide prevention,” said Melissa Febbroriello, Columbia State counselor and case manager. “September is the National Suicide Prevention Month and last year during this time our college held our own walks on each respective campus. With Covid-19 happening and social distancing a must, this drive-through event is a way to still bring awareness and support to an important mental health topic that affects us all.”

Signs of encouragement will line the drive-through route, and luminaries will be placed around the fountain outside of the Hickman Building honoring those who have passed. The public should enter at the Hampshire Pike entrance near the Webster Athletic Center. The Maury County Sheriff’s Office will be directing traffic.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in college students. 1 out of 10 college students has considered suicide. Suicide affects all ethnicities, economic classes, social groups and age ranges.

Cowboy Up is a Maury County Junior Auxiliary Project that spreads the message of suicide awareness and prevention.

For more information about suicide prevention, please visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. If you or a loved one is suffering, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 (Vets Press 1), or Text TN to 741-741. The LGTBQ+ Trevor Lifeline can be reached at 1-866-488-7386.

The Columbia Campus is located at 1665 Hampshire Pike. For additional information about the event, contact Melissa Febbroriello at mfebbroriello@ColumbiaState.edu