FLUSHING, N.Y. – Taking part in the annual East Coast Conference Mental Health Awareness Week, the Queens College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted two events on the campus.
 
"Participating in Student-Athlete Mental Health Week means a lot to SAAC as we recognize that we are 'More Than An Athlete;' we are humans with emotions, feelings, and struggles that we shouldn't have to fight alone," said Julia Ragone, SAAC President and senior on the Queens Women's Soccer team. "Thank you to Queens College, AFSP, and all the student athletes who showed up and supported our Suicide Prevention Campus Walk in honor of ECC Mental Health Week. Seeing our campus come together for a great cause was very rewarding. Thank you to all volunteers who helped create a positive and inclusive environment, this included an honor bead table, running a vendor table, and a space to share messages of hope and remembrance. We hope to continue this tradition in years to come!
 
On Tuesday, Apr 8^th, SAAC and the women's tennis team hosted Morgan's Message along with a bake sale to raise money for the organization.
 
About Morgan's Message:
Morgan's Message® is a 501(c)(3) that strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics.
 
We aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone.
 
For more information, visit: https://www.morgansmessage.org/
 
On Wednesday, April 9^th the SAAC partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to host an Out of the Darkness Campus Walk to raise awareness about suicide prevention. The Knights hosted a Campus Walk that included informative education on mental health, supportive beads, bracelet making station, awareness merchandise, and more! The event saw over 110 participants and raised $3,595 in donations from athletics teams, Greek life, and other student groups as well as members of the public. 

About AFSP:
AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health by engaging in the following core strategies:

• Funding scientific research
• Educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention
• Advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention
• Supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide

For more information, visit: https://afsp.org/
 
"We are incredibly proud to share that, through the collective efforts of our student-athletes, campus community, and supporters, Queens College SAAC raised $3,595 for suicide awareness and prevention in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Our Out of the Darkness Campus Walk was more than just a fundraiser — it was a powerful reminder that we are never alone, and together we can be a force for hope, healing, and change." Said Thomas Bashen, Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance. "I'm especially proud of the dedication and passion our SAAC Executive Board poured into organizing this event — their hard work helped make it not only successful but deeply meaningful for everyone involved."

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