September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Illinois health officials say suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in the state for young adults 15 to 34 years of age.
Northern Illinois University political science major Lisa Holland says those numbers are the reason members of the school’s chapter of Alpha Phi Omega have been advertising free hugs in the MLK Commons, an area with high student foot traffic.
She says college can be a very stressful time, and she hopes her group can be in the right place at the right time for students who may be in need. Otherwise, it's just an opportunity to brighten someone's day.
“No strings attached, nothing at all. We actually met a couple people that really needed a hug today, and it was just wonderful to be there for them. We got a couple of numbers from people, we are going to hang out with them and make some friends.”
Some people stop, others keep walking.
“If someone doesn’t want to get a free hug, that’s okay, just tell them to have a wonderful day and move on to the next person who maybe does want one. We are also giving out high-fives, not everyone likes hugs," Holland said.
State officials encourage people in need to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.
