For the eighth consecutive year, FSU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) hosted its annual suicide prevention event, held this year on World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. 10. Noles C.A.R.E. Day focuses on training students, faculty and staff on identifying warning signs of distressed students, how to express concern and which resources to refer to when students are in a crisis or expressing concerns related to suicide.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among individuals ages 15-34 and remains a leading public health challenge in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 48,824 deaths by suicide in 2024.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and organizations across the nation use this month to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help before a crisis becomes fatal.
“Florida State is fighting to help break down the walls of silence surrounding mental health crises,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “Providing education and prevention methods and sharing resources are an integral part of the services we provide to support our students.”
Chelsie Needham, LCSW, and Noles C.A.R.E. chair said they intentionally brought together student organizations and other campus partners to strengthen community, raise awareness and demonstrate collective support for a shared cause this year. More than a dozen student groups joined CAPS on Noles C.A.R.E. Day to connect with fellow students at the event held midday on Landis Green.
Students could visit stations to complete their passport and meet with representatives from groups including Center for Health Advocacy & Wellness, American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, Exercise is Medicine, Psychology Clinic and Center for Leadership & Service. Food, cold soft drinks, water and giveaways were provided.
“As word of different organizations joining spread, we were ecstatic to see the amount of interest the FSU community has in supporting this incredible cause,” Needham said.
The event also drew support from a local group of jugglers called Tally Juggle & Flow, formed about two years ago by FSU Circus alumnus Jason Tillman (’20). Tillman said he was excited to come back to campus for this event to juggle, make friends, connections and help lighten the mood. Four additional members, including Koffee the Clown, showed students that juggling is not only exercise but “a way to experience fun and help mental well-being.”
Madison Rolfe, a senior majoring in psychology, said she came out to Noles C.A.R.E. Day because she saw the event from her residence hall. She shared that she’s been personally affected by suicide.
“I think it’s an important event to have and spread awareness,” Rolfe said. “It’s nice to have an event that brings awareness to the seriousness of suicide while also having community and a chance to meet new people.”
“I am proud of our team’s commitment to emotional well-being,” said Carlos J. Gómez, associate vice president for Health, Wellness, and Safety and dean of students. “Outreach events such as Noles C.A.R.E. Day provide education and prevention services in a way that is visible and accessible to students, allowing them to seek the support they need. Preventing suicide occurs long before a moment of crisis. Having opportunities for compassionate conversations can help more people find the support they need.”
Approximately 4,000 unique students were served at CAPS in the 2025-2026 academic year. Over 12,000 members of the FSU community were served through CAPS outreach education and prevention programing. In the latest Niche rankings, Florida State ranked No. 3 in the nation for university Student Life and No. 1 in Florida.
“It is encouraging to see more and more students connect to mental health support either through direct services at CAPS or outreach events,” Needham said. “The increased engagement reflects a growing emphasis on students’ overall well-being and the importance of prioritizing mental health.”
Resources and support for students, parents, faculty and staff can be found at www.counseling.fsu.edu.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, there are resources available: