Free Screening of “The S Word” on March 6
Pat Walker Health Center’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is hosting a free screening of “The S Word,” at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6 at the Faulkner Performing Arts Center.
“The S Word” is a feature-length documentary that tells the stories of suicide attempt survivors, along with the families and loved ones of those who are left behind to suffer the anguish, guilt and confusion of death by suicide, the 10th leading cause of death in America.
“Suicide is a difficult topic to discuss, especially on college campuses,” said Michele Cooper, LCSW, suicide prevention coordinator for CAPS. “We hope by bringing ‘The S Word’ to our campus, we can open the door for people to talk about suicide in a way that is beneficial to the well-being of the entire campus community.”
The screening is open to the entire campus community and will include a panel discussion immediately after with director Lisa Klein.
“Our hope is to engage in a beneficial dialogue that helps our community think about suicide in a different way,” said Cooper. “We encourage everyone from the campus community to participate in this important event.”
Panel Discussion Participants
- Lisa Klein, director of “The S Word”
- Dese’Rae Stage, founder, LiveThroughThis.org, suicide survivor and prevention advocate
- Melanie Scott, survivor of suicide loss
- Michele Cooper, suicide prevention coordinator for CAPS
Suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst college students, which is why CAPS continues to increase campus suicide prevention efforts. “The S Word” opens the conversation about suicide, and touches on suicide and the mental health of today’s young adults.
Film Goals
- Raise awareness about suicide prevention and resources, including alternatives that reach outside the box.
- Expand the conversation about suicide to include everybody, because we have all been touched by it in some way.
- Talk openly about suicide without judgement, shame or discrimination.
- Get people to think about suicide in a completely different way.
- Change the world.
For more information about the film and the creators, visit the film’s website.
CAPS consistently looks for innovative ways to spread prevention efforts in hopes of creating a safer, supportive campus community.
CAPS also offers 24-hour emergency mental health crisis support at 479-575-5276, as well as Kognito – an interactive training for students, staff and faculty on useful skills to help create a safer community.