ERAU'S Field Of Hope Provides Inspiring Messages Of Hope

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Daytona Beach, FL- A field of flags will be a Field of Hope at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Wednesday. Jennifer Pattison, a licensed mental health counselor for Embry-Riddle's Counseling Center, said this is the fifth year for the Field of Hope. Its intention is to raise awareness about suicide and it's prevention during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. "College students experience unique challenges that can impact their mental health. These include being away from home, fear of failing classes, and worries about how they will pay for college," Pattison said. Pattison said the suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people of college age and there are over a thousand suicides on college campuses every year. Surveyors flags are used to create the Field of Hope. Students can write messages of hope and inspiration or memorials for those already gone. The event has collected more than 16 hundred flags during the last four years. Pattison said there's no ceremony for the Field of Hope. The purpose is to connect with students and make sure that as many people as possible receive a suicide prevention card. Literature will also be available. Pattison also said that if you are considering suicide, to ask for help because there are many people who want to help.