On Saturday, Nov. 23, the University of Virgin Islands’ Psychology Club will host the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day in Room 133 in the Research and Extension Center on the Albert. A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix. The event is free and open to the public. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m.; the event begins at 10 a.m. and will conclude by noon.
This is the 21st annual event that has grown from a few locations within the Continental United States to a worldwide event with thousands of locations. The Psychology Club has sponsored this event since 2010, and it was the first Survivor Day event in the Caribbean.
The Psychology Club’s advisor, Dr. Aletha Baumann, recalled that in 2010, Laurie Christian from Lutheran Social Services’ Teen Hotline told her about the event and asked if the Psychology Club would like to co-sponsor it. “The Club enthusiastically endorsed hosting the event at UVI and has been pleased to do so ever since.”
That year, two students, a staff member and a person from the community shared their stories of grief and recovery after the loss of their loved ones. One of those students, Nakisha Bermudez-Navarro, who is a Psychology Club member, recalls the loss of her young nephew due to suicide. “I remember that day like it was yesterday. That phone call changed the life of our family forever.”
This is a day for hope, healing and support from those who are survivors of suicide loss. People are invited to bring remembrances of their loved ones for our “Memory Table.” Please join the club in healing and the support of others.
For more information on the event, visit https://afsp.org/find-support/ive-lost-someone/survivor-day/. People interested in attending can register online through this website or just come to UVI on the day of the event.
To learn more about International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, visit www.afsp.org/SurvivorDay or contact Nisha Clavier at nclavie@uvi.edu
