Del Mar will host its eight annual Suicide Prevention Symposium beginning tonight in the Harvin Center on Heritage Campus.
Special guest speaker Gabe Alvarado will address the crowd during the first part of the event at 6 p.m. in the Retama Room. Alvarado, who lost his left arm and was burned over 60% of his body in an oil refinery explosion, will share the story about how he realized life was worth living again. Although the road to recovery was long, Alvarado has now created his own foundation in hopes of helping others who are dealing with thoughts of suicide.
The event, which comes during Suicide Awareness Week, will include therapy dogs, door prizes, resources and more. It returns at 8 a.m. Sept. 9 with a professional and provider’s event. This event will include two presentations and information about suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.
Del Mar counselors want students to know they offer a variety of free sessions. The sessions include individual, group and couples counseling. Students can make an appointment at www.delmar.edu/offices/counseling/ for virtual or in-person sessions.
The National Institute of Mental Health states suicide is the second leading cause of death in Americans ages 10-34.
