UNC-Chapel Hill is focusing on mental health after reported suicides

Officials at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have canceled classes Tuesday as the school grapples with recent suicides among students. 

Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz released a statement announcing the cancellation of classes on Tuesday, which is World Mental Health Day. He has declared it a wellness day for students to reflect on mental health issues and to check in with each other.

According to The Daily Tar Heel, UNC police logs show reports of a suicide and an attempted suicide this past weekend. Guskiewiecz also acknowledged the passing of two students in the last month. 

In a weekend letter to university officials, school and faculty leaders urged UNC officials to prioritize students' mental health needs and called on the school to cancel classes and postpone University Day events. They also met with Chancellor Guskiewicz over the weekend. 

In his statement, Guskiewicz said the school has created a multi-departmental support network that will be available to students, faculty and staff throughout the week. He also announced that UNC will convene a mental health summit later this month, and will launch a campus-wide campaign to promote and support mental health awareness.

University Day will still be observed on Tuesday.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255, is available 24/7. It is free and confidential.