Author to address USD students with program on suicide prevention
Marcus, a former associate producer for CBS Morning News and Good Morning America, is the author of several books for teens and parents, including “Why Suicide? Questions & Answers About Suicide, Suicide Prevention and Coping with the Suicide of Someone You Know.” He currently serves on the national board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and his presentation, which is part of National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 4-10, is free and open to the public.
“Eric Marcus tells the courageous stories of so many people who have lost loved ones from the tragedy of suicide,” said Janine Harris, manager of the Al Neuharth Media Center at USD, whose daughter Nicole Vallie Harris committed suicide on June 15, 2005. “With suicide claiming the lives of more than 30,000 people each year and more than five million people impacted because of someone they know has committed suicide, it’s important that we support suicide prevention and other mental health needs for students.”
National Suicide Prevention Week culminates with the fifth annual Nikki’s Fund 5K Run/Walk at Prentis Park at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 in Vermillion. Nikki’s Fund, established in memory of Nicole Vallie Harris, supports suicide prevention programs and other mental health needs for USD students. Registration for the race or walk is $10 before Sept. 8 and $15 the day of the race. The event begins at the corner of Plum and Clark Streets and continues through beautiful downtown Vermillion and concludes at Prentis Park. Fruit and water is provided by local merchants. All proceeds from the 5K Run/Walk will be donated to Nikki’s Fund.
For more information about Eric Marcus, please visit www.ericmarcus.com. Additional information about the Student Counseling Center is also available on the Web at www.usd.edu/scc and to register for the Nikki’s Fund 5K, go to www.allsportcentral.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=31614. A photo of Eric Marcus is available for download at www.usd.edu/press/news/images/releases/Eric_Marcus.jpg.