Community service paper
Jordan Cisneros
Mrs. Summey
UL 100
1 February 2015
Introductory Writing Assignment
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is one organization that has sparked passion in my heart. Suicide, Mental Illness, and Mental Health in general are often stigmatized in society. Ironically enough, 1 in 5 Americans suffer from a mental illness, according to ABC News. Mental Illnesses are a major social issue that are often overshadowed by the media, and in place news about celebrities is broadcasted. Working towards preventing suicide, helping people cope with their mental illness, and promoting mental health are all issues that light needs to be shed on.
One celebrity death that made national news in 2014 was the death of Mr. Robin Williams. Robin Williams committed suicide, and national news spread sharing his struggle (Neporent). Advocates hoped this would start a movement for Suicide prevention, it did for a while, but like all other national news the publicity eventually dies out. In contrast, I hope that people continue to wonder about his death and want to educate themselves on the illness he suffered from. In comparison, it was later recognized that Williams suffered from Lewy Body Dementia that may have contributed to his act of suicide (Neporent).
The Out of the Darkness walk is a walk that is sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (Darkness). I had the opportunity to participate in the walk last September. I plan on continuing to participate and next year I would like to volunteer to help with the walk. I have also had the opportunity to volunteer to help with a 5k that took place at Jones Park in Emporia, KS. The 5k that I helped with was called Walk 4 Me, the walk was to raise awareness for mental health. The Walk 4 Me 5k took place last August. The money that was raised from the walk was then donated to the Mental Health Center in Emporia.
I have participated in a couple of walks to raise awareness for similar causes; I plan on continuing to do so. I also want to act as an advocate for these causes and help to promote their values and missions. These causes and social issues will continue to be something that I am passionate about; not only have I been personally affected by them, but I hope to help diminish them even if I can contribute in a small way. I hope that others will want to learn more about this cause as well and educate themselves on what they can do to help.
Works Cited
Conley, Mikaela. "1 in 5 Americans Suffers From Mental Illness." ABC News. ABC News Network, 19 Jan. 2012. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.
Neporent, Liz. "Robin Williams' Death Report Finds Lewy Body Dementia." ABC News. ABC News Network, 12 Nov. 2014. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.
"Out of the Darkness Walks." American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.
Mrs. Summey
UL 100
1 February 2015
Introductory Writing Assignment
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is one organization that has sparked passion in my heart. Suicide, Mental Illness, and Mental Health in general are often stigmatized in society. Ironically enough, 1 in 5 Americans suffer from a mental illness, according to ABC News. Mental Illnesses are a major social issue that are often overshadowed by the media, and in place news about celebrities is broadcasted. Working towards preventing suicide, helping people cope with their mental illness, and promoting mental health are all issues that light needs to be shed on.
One celebrity death that made national news in 2014 was the death of Mr. Robin Williams. Robin Williams committed suicide, and national news spread sharing his struggle (Neporent). Advocates hoped this would start a movement for Suicide prevention, it did for a while, but like all other national news the publicity eventually dies out. In contrast, I hope that people continue to wonder about his death and want to educate themselves on the illness he suffered from. In comparison, it was later recognized that Williams suffered from Lewy Body Dementia that may have contributed to his act of suicide (Neporent).
The Out of the Darkness walk is a walk that is sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (Darkness). I had the opportunity to participate in the walk last September. I plan on continuing to participate and next year I would like to volunteer to help with the walk. I have also had the opportunity to volunteer to help with a 5k that took place at Jones Park in Emporia, KS. The 5k that I helped with was called Walk 4 Me, the walk was to raise awareness for mental health. The Walk 4 Me 5k took place last August. The money that was raised from the walk was then donated to the Mental Health Center in Emporia.
I have participated in a couple of walks to raise awareness for similar causes; I plan on continuing to do so. I also want to act as an advocate for these causes and help to promote their values and missions. These causes and social issues will continue to be something that I am passionate about; not only have I been personally affected by them, but I hope to help diminish them even if I can contribute in a small way. I hope that others will want to learn more about this cause as well and educate themselves on what they can do to help.
Works Cited
Conley, Mikaela. "1 in 5 Americans Suffers From Mental Illness." ABC News. ABC News Network, 19 Jan. 2012. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.
Neporent, Liz. "Robin Williams' Death Report Finds Lewy Body Dementia." ABC News. ABC News Network, 12 Nov. 2014. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.
"Out of the Darkness Walks." American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.