Delaware Technical Community College President Mark Brainard of Delaware Tech kicks off the Delaware 22in22 campaign and speaks about the importance of raising awareness of and preventing soldier suicide. (Submitted photo)

DOVER — Delaware Technical Community College employees and students are proud to support Delaware 22in22 — a campaign to raise awareness of and prevent soldier suicide. September is suicide prevention and awareness month and the number 22 is significant in that nearly 22 soldiers take their lives every day as a result of feeling they have no other way to deal with their pain and suffering.

The initiative, started by local high school senior Jacob DiSabatino, raises awareness and funds to help prevent soldier suicide.

“Supporting our veterans and active-duty military is a college priority, said Dr. Mark Brainard, president of Delaware Tech. “We are committed to dedicating the resources our military students need to succeed — both in and out of the classroom. This is one additional way we can support the men and women who serve our country.”

Delaware Tech was named a 2015 Military Friendly School for its commitment to military students and their success. The Veteran’s Inspiring Progress program connects student veterans with resources to help them succeed and offers support and camaraderie. The college also has dedicated counselors to assist current and veteran service members and their dependents through the process of applying for tuition benefits and enrolling in classes.

Jacob DiSabatino stated, “I’m so excited to see Delaware Tech take a leadership role in this campaign and support our military. Delaware and the nation has an epidemic of suicide among our veterans and active-duty soldiers and this effort will help save lives.”

Dr. Mark Brainard said, “On behalf of the entire Delaware Tech community, I would like to express our admiration of Jacob for identifying such a critical need in our community and for all of his hard work in raising awareness and funds to support our soldiers.”

Delaware Tech employees and students will show their support of Delaware 22in22 by pledging to run or walk 22 miles in 22 days. Dr. Brianard kicked off the campaign at the second annual Run, White & Blue 5K held Sept. 10 at Delaware Tech’s Jack F. Owens Campus. The campaign will be held through Oct. 7. Campaign donations will be made to Stop Soldier Suicide.

For more information, visit the Delaware 22in22 website at www.22in22Delaware.com.