Six university students have committed suicide in the last two years.

No suicides had occured for 12 years prior to that, Cortney Gumbleton, the university's suicide prevention outreach coordinator, said. 

Individuals contemplating suicide are often hesitant to reach out for help because of the stigma associated with it, she said.

Individuals can help raise money and awareness about suicide prevention by participating in the Run for Life 5K on Sept. 7. The run, now in its third year, will benefit the Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) team of Mental Health America of Greater Tarrant County, a nonprofit devoted to improving the lives of those impacted by mental illness.

Gumbleton wanted to get students involved to raise awareness about the subject and let students know it’s all right to reach out to someone for help.

Junior psychology major Hannah Freeman said she loves running 5Ks, but that she also has a more personal reason for getting involved.

The 22-year-old son of a family friend committed suicide at the end of her first year in college.

“Just seeing how that shockwave that emanated from that, and how deeply it impacted so many people, it was just really sad to see,” Freeman said. “I don’t think he would have known that he was missed that much. So just seeing that and seeing how heartbroken people were, it just made me want to do anything that I can.”

Day-of registration will begin at 7 a.m. in Trinity Park Arts Pavilion at 2401 University Drive. The 1K fun run starts at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K run at 8:30 a.m.

Registration is $35 and students can join Team TCU by adding “TCU” to the end of their last name when signing up. Visit https://runforlife.athlete360.com to register or contact Gumbleton at [email protected] for further information.