JMU Joins Area Colleges in Walk to Shed Light on Depression, Suicide

Walk for Hope: Colleges Unite for Depression and Suicide,” will bring together students, staff and faculty from Blue Ridge Community College, Bridgewater College, Eastern Mennonite University and James Madison University to raise awareness, to offer hope and a show of support for people affected by depression and suicide. 

Walk for Hope takes place on Saturday, March 31. JMU President Linwood H. Rose and Student Government Association President Pat Watral ask JMU participants to join them on the steps of Wilson Hall at 8:30 a.m. The group will depart at 9 a.m. and join walkers from the area colleges at the Harrisonburg Farmers' Market for music, speakers, refreshments and activities. In addition, Julie Hersh, mental health advocate and author of “Struck by Living, From Depression to Hope,” will share her story. 

In a joint statement, the area school presidents said, “We are committed to supporting initiatives on our campuses that shed light on mental health issues and provide support structures to prevent suicide.” 

The event is made possible by the Austin Frazier Memorial Fund. 

For more information or to register to walk individually or in a team, visit the Walk for Hope Facebook page.