NORTH CANTON, Ohio – With September designated as National Suicide Prevention Month, Walsh University will host its Fourth Annual 22 Push-Ups for Veteran Suicide Awareness event on Friday, Sept. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the West Lawn near the David Center.
Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, coaches, veterans and active-duty military personnel are expected to gather for the event – dubbed CAVS for Cavaliers Against Veteran Suicide – that seeks to bring raise awareness about the alarming rate of veteran suicides in the United States.
Throughout the event, participants will perform 22 push-ups every half hour to represent the 22 veterans who take their own lives each day, according to a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) study. The event also offers an opportunity for the Walsh community to meet active-duty service members, enjoy lunch and win prizes, all while promoting veteran suicide prevention.
Walsh University’s Veteran Affairs Coordinator, Joshua Ruiz, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, will lead the push-ups. Ruiz, a passionate advocate for veteran mental health, has been the driving force behind the event. He stressed the importance of raising awareness and providing support for veterans facing mental health challenges.
“As a veteran, I’ve experienced the struggles of transitioning back to civilian life, and I know how isolating it can feel,” Ruiz said. “The statistic that 22 veterans die by suicide every day is unacceptable. It’s a tragedy that impacts families, communities and the future of our nation’s heroes. The CAVS event is the chance for all of us to step up, raise awareness and ensure no veteran feels like they have to face their battles alone.”
Taking part in this year’s event will be representatives from the VA, the Stark County Vet Center, the Veteran Service Commission of Stark County and SAVE22 an organization dedicated to combating suicide among veterans, active-duty military personnel and first responders.
The official sponsor for the event is the SAM Center of Massillon, Ohio, an organization that serves military members and their families.
Walsh University’s commitment to veterans extends far beyond this event. The university has been designated a Top Ten Military Friendly® School, a Collegiate Purple Star campus and a College of Distinction for Military Support. From military tuition discounts and small class sizes to the availability of general education online courses throughout the summer, Walsh works one-on-one with veterans to create educational programs tailored to their specific needs. These distinctions highlight Walsh’s dedication to supporting military members and their families as they pursue higher education.
If you’re a veteran or service member in crisis, resources are available. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
