For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey

The University of Memphis STEPS (Suicide Training, Education and Prevention Services) is sponsoring two interactive workshops using dance and body movement to raise awareness about suicide, mental health issues and the mind-body connection among college students.

Workshop 1 will be March 27 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. in the Panhellenic Building, Room 104. It will be facilitated by Akil Davis, a native Memphian and New York University drama graduate, and Per Brahe of the famed Studio 5 international acting studio in Brooklyn. They will use acting techniques and carved masks to teach workshop participants how to enter an egoless state, thus paving the way for creative expression and healing through dance and body movement. The session is limited to 15 participants.

Workshop 2 (two sessions) will be March 28 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. in the Panhellenic Building, Room 104. They will be facilitated by Shannon Lengerich and Susan Imus, professors in the Department of Dance Movement/Therapy and Counseling at Columbia College in Chicago. They will use elements of dance and therapy to address mental health issues, wellness, early intervention and suicide prevention. Each session is limited to 20 participants.

Workshops are open to U of M students, faculty and staff. The cost is $25 for students, $30 for staff and $50 for faculty. To register, go to http://psyc.memphis.edu/steps or contact Naomi Blake at nblake@memphis.edu or 678-4931.

STEPS is a campus-based suicide prevention initiative funded by a grant from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. For additional information, contact Dr. Pam Cogdal at 678-4931 or Dr. Theresa Okwumabua at 678-3677.