September is Suicide Awareness Month, and the University of Miami Counseling Center works with the community to recognize the importance of mental health and speak on the importance of Suicide Prevention Awareness. Counseling Outreach Peer Education (COPE) is comprised of a group of students that work to promote and share mental health resources for the University community. They work as the bridge between the student body and the professional staff members at the Counseling Center, hosting a variety of events per year.
This year, COPE is partnering with a special cause that is very close to UM, Joshua’s Walk. Connor Brennan, a second-year student, lost his father to suicide at just three years old. He and his mother, Colleen Brennan, created this walk to honor his father, Joshua, and support others who were affected by suicide. “Joshua’s Walk was started in 2020 after my mom thought I was at an age that I could mentally process how my dad had taken his life; I was in 8th grade. We decided that a one-mile virtual walk that could be done from anywhere could be a call to action that was manageable,” said Connor.
Thanks to social media, Joshua’s Walk caught nationwide attention. The walk can be done anywhere, making it easy to show support virtually, wherever people are in the country. Colleen and Connor will be hosting their walk at the University of Miami campus on Monday, September 22 alongside COPE and the Frost Band of the Hour. “When groups partner up with a meaningful cause it creates a sense of unity, and it feels like the impact is greater because you are reaching such a diverse group of people for an important topic,” said Colleen. Connor is a member of the Frost Band of the Hour drumline and is extremely honored his bandmates will be walking alongside him.
If you want to learn how you can support Joshua’s Walk, from wherever you are in the country, head to their website here. If you want to join the on-campus walk, meet Colleen, Connor, and the participating community members at the Intramural fields at 4 p.m. on Monday, September 22—all are welcome.
