September is officially National Suicide Prevention Month. But the work doesn't stop when the calendar flips. AFSP's Out of the Darkness Community Walks run through the fall, keeping the conversation alive well into October across hundreds of towns nationwide.
This article covers what these October events look like, the warning signs everyone should know, where to find crisis support, and how you can connect with the April T. Bocian Foundation in Grove City, PA.
Key Takeaways
- Keep October momentum going through AFSP Out of the Darkness Walks and local fundraisers
- Spot warning signs like withdrawal and hopelessness—noticing them can save a life
- Volunteer, donate, or join the Golf Outing with the April T. Bocian Foundation (Grove City/Pittsburgh)
- Call, text, or chat 988 anytime—the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free and 24/7
Why October Matters for Suicide Prevention Awareness
September gets the official title, but October is where a lot of the visible community action happens.
AFSP's Community Out of the Darkness Walks begin in September and continue through the fall. October often sees just as many walks, remembrance ceremonies, and local fundraisers as the "official" month before it.
That extended push matters because suicide isn't a seasonal problem. It's a year-round crisis that needs sustained attention, not a single 30-day spotlight.
By the numbers:
- Over 600 walks and nearly a quarter-million participants nationwide in 2024 alone
- Walks currently operate in more than 400 communities across the country
- Events combine remembrance, education, and fundraising in one gathering
Local Context: Pennsylvania and the Tri-State Region
For Grove City and the greater Pittsburgh area, this timing carries extra weight. Pennsylvania's suicide rate sits close to the national average, and Western Pennsylvania has its own AFSP chapter serving Allegheny County residents.
Communities here don't have to wait for a national campaign to act. Local organizations, including the April T. Bocian Foundation, keep the conversation going through their own events year-round.
The April T. Bocian Foundation's Story and Mission
April Tayler Bocian was born on April 28, 1998, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. As a newborn, her photo was selected for the hospital's nursing school ad campaign, appearing on billboards and buses across the tri-state region.
Those who knew her remember her red hair, her love of fashion, and her humor. But what people mention most is her compassion.
April welcomed new students at school, took them "under her wing," and made a point of noticing the people who felt lonely or forgotten. She clowned around with basketball teammates, played practical jokes on her sisters, and dreamed of traveling to California.
She died by suicide on May 5, 2015, one week after her 17th birthday.
The foundation exists because of that loss. Its mission:
- Honor April's memory through mental health advocacy
- Raise awareness about depression and suicide prevention
- Connect community members to resources like AFSP and the 988 Lifeline
- Support wellness initiatives, including its affiliation with EmpowHer Retreat
The foundation's flagship event is its annual Golf Outing, a fundraiser that brings the community together each year to support these goals. It raises money for prevention work and keeps April's story part of the conversation about mental health.
How to Participate in an October Suicide Prevention Awareness Event
Most community suicide prevention events follow a familiar flow. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to show up, bring others, and plug in where you can help—whether it's an AFSP walk or a local fundraiser:
- Opening remarks and remembrance ceremonies honoring those lost to suicide
- Guest speakers, often survivors or mental health professionals
- The walk or main activity itself, usually a few miles
- Resource tables staffed by local mental health organizations
- Fundraising activities supporting research, education, and crisis services
Finding or Joining a Local Walk
If you want to join an AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk near Pittsburgh or Grove City:
- Visit AFSP's walk registration page and search by ZIP code
- Register as an individual, join an existing team, or register as a virtual walker
- Consider a $150 fundraising goal — AFSP awards an official event T-shirt to those who hit it
To start your own team, select "Register Now," choose "Create a Team," name it, and invite friends and family to join. Many participants build a personal memorial team — sometimes called something like "Team April" — in honor of someone they've lost. A named memorial team makes the day personal and gives friends a clear way to walk beside you.
Supporting the April T. Bocian Foundation Directly
Walks are one path. You can also support the April T. Bocian Foundation year-round without waiting for a single event date:
- Volunteer at foundation events
- Donate directly to support ongoing awareness programs
- Register a team for the annual Golf Outing (Team Registration Form)
- Sponsor the Golf Outing (Sponsorship Form)
For specific dates, venue details, or team formation questions, reach the foundation at 724-355-1909 or abocian@redsafetyids.com.
Recognizing Warning Signs and Risk Factors
Knowing what to look for can save a life. According to AFSP's warning signs guide, changes are especially concerning when tied to a painful event, loss, or life change.
What someone might say:
- Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
- Expressing hopelessness or having no reason to live
- Saying they feel like a burden to others
- Describing feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Behavioral changes to watch for:
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
- Giving away prized possessions or saying goodbye
- Sleeping far too much or too little
- Sudden calm after a period of depression
Common risk factors include:
- Mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorders
- Prior suicide attempts or a family history of suicide
- Access to lethal means, plus major life stressors or loss
Protective factors matter just as much:
- Access to mental health care
- Strong family and community connections
- Coping skills and limited access to lethal means
Research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that roughly 45% of people who died by suicide had contact with a primary care provider within the month before their death, while only about 19% had contact with a mental health provider in that same window. That gap means friends, coworkers, and family are often best positioned to notice warning signs first.
Crisis Resources and Getting Help
If you or someone you know is struggling right now, help is immediate and free.
| Resource | How to Reach It | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org | 24/7 |
| Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741 | 24/7 |
| American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) | afsp.org | Ongoing |
| Local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) affiliate | nami.org/find-your-local-nami | Ongoing |
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and staffed 24/7. When the need is education, peer support, or community programs rather than an immediate crisis, AFSP and your local NAMI affiliate are strong next steps.
For longer-term wellness support, women may also find value in EmpowHer Retreat, a mental health and wellness program affiliated with the April T. Bocian Foundation.
How Your Business or Community Group Can Get Involved
Local businesses and community groups can make a real difference—and it does not take a huge commitment.
Sponsorship opportunities:
- Sponsor the annual Golf Outing at a tier that fits your budget
- Request the Sponsorship Form or Golf Outing Sponsors PDF for full details
- Build local visibility while backing a cause with deep community roots
Simple ways any group can help:
- Host a small fundraiser and donate the proceeds to the foundation
- Share foundation resources and crisis information on social media
- Invite a foundation representative to speak at a community event
Ready to partner? Contact the April T. Bocian Foundation at 724-355-1909 or abocian@redsafetyids.com. Based in Grove City, PA, the foundation welcomes conversations with businesses and community groups across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Suicide Prevention Month, and how does it relate to October events?
September is the official National Suicide Prevention Month. Many walks and fundraisers, including AFSP's Out of the Darkness Walks, continue into October and beyond.
What are the warning signs of suicide?
Key signs include withdrawal from friends and activities, expressions of hopelessness, talk of being a burden, and sudden mood changes. Giving away possessions or saying goodbye are also serious signals.
How can I get involved with the April T. Bocian Foundation?
You can volunteer, donate, register, or sponsor a team for the annual Golf Outing, or help spread awareness. Contact the foundation directly at 724-355-1909 for current opportunities.
What should I do if someone I know is having suicidal thoughts?
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline right away. Stay with the person if you can, and avoid leaving them alone until help arrives.
Is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline available 24/7?
Yes. You can call or text 988 anytime, day or night, for free and confidential support anywhere in the U.S.
How can my business sponsor a suicide prevention awareness event?
Reach out to the April T. Bocian Foundation at 724-355-1909 or abocian@redsafetyids.com to learn about Golf Outing sponsorship packages and other partnership options.
