Many people want to help with suicide prevention but don't know where to start. Which walk? What month? Is there something happening nearby this year?
This guide covers the national awareness days worth marking on your calendar, the types of events communities organize, and practical ways to get involved locally, including opportunities through the foundation's own Golf Outing.
Key Takeaways
- Walks, golf outings, and awareness campaigns build connection while reducing stigma around mental health
- National observances like World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) give communities clear dates to rally around
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7 before, during, and after any event
- Local events like the April T. Bocian Foundation Golf Outing turn personal loss into community impact
Why Community Involvement Matters in Suicide Prevention
Connection isn't just a nice idea. The CDC identifies connectedness as a protective factor against suicide, listing support from family and friends, and connection to community institutions, among the key defenses against suicide risk (CDC, 2024).
Community events work because they:
- Normalize the conversation. Walks, vigils, and workshops make it easier to talk about depression and mental illness without shame.
- Build ripple effects. One family's loss often becomes a community's cause — friends, teammates, and neighbors show up because someone they loved was affected.
- Fund the work. Fundraisers support crisis resources, education programs, and survivor outreach.
That's the story behind the April T. Bocian Foundation. April was known for her warm smile, empathy, and love of basketball. She died by suicide in 2015, one week after her 17th birthday, after a private struggle with depression.
Her foundation exists so her story can help others. The annual Golf Outing is one way the community keeps showing up for that mission.
Do events like these change outcomes? Research on awareness campaigns is mixed. A 2024 systematic review of 18 youth-focused campaign evaluations found improved attitudes and help-seeking intentions overall (Tam et al., 2024), though other evaluations have found little change in depression stigma. The honest takeaway: events help, but they're one piece of a much larger prevention effort.
National and Awareness Days to Know
Is there a suicide awareness day?
Yes. World Suicide Prevention Day falls on September 10 every year. It launched in 2003 as a joint initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization, and it's now recognized globally.
Related observances give communities more chances to gather and take action:
- Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: All of September in the U.S., observed by SAMHSA and local organizations
- International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day: The Saturday before Thanksgiving each year (November 21 in 2026), with survivor-focused gatherings in person and online
Purple and teal are the widely recognized colors of suicide prevention awareness. Wearing them during September is a small, visible way to show solidarity and open the door to conversation.
Types of Suicide Prevention Events Communities Can Join
Not every event looks the same, and that's a good thing. Different formats reach different people.
- Out of the Darkness Walks (AFSP): AFSP's national walk series drew 570 walks and 186,500 participants in 2022, with about 2.5 million walkers since 2002.
- Memorial golf outings and fundraisers: A shared activity paired with fundraising and remembrance. The April T. Bocian Foundation's annual Golf Outing uses advance team registration and a dedicated sponsorship path.
- Educational events: Workshops, school assemblies, and gatekeeper trainings such as QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) teach warning-sign recognition in about an hour.
- Wellness retreats: Programs like EmpowHer Retreat, which the foundation supports, offer wellness-focused programming for women facing mental health challenges.
- Candlelight vigils and awareness walks: Smaller remembrance events often led by local nonprofits and faith communities.
The Golf Outing as a Model
The foundation's Golf Outing shows how a personal tribute becomes public advocacy. Players download a registration form and submit teams in advance. Businesses and individuals support the day through a separate sponsorship form. One family's loss now brings the community together, year after year.
Recommended Activities During Suicide Prevention Week/Month
If you want to participate but aren't sure where to begin, here's a practical starting list:
- Wear teal and purple throughout September to signal support and spark conversation
- Share a personal story on social media when you feel ready — even a short post can reach someone who needs it
- Attend a local walk or community event in your area
- Host or attend a fundraiser benefiting a local foundation
- Organize a training session such as Talk Saves Lives or QPR gatekeeper training for your school or workplace
- Donate time or funds to organizations doing prevention work, like the April T. Bocian Foundation
None of these require a huge commitment. Even wearing a ribbon or sharing a post raises visibility in your community.
Finding and Joining a Walk or Event Near You
Is there a suicide prevention walk scheduled for 2026?
AFSP maintains a live event finder and updates its Out of the Darkness Walk listings as new dates are confirmed. Rather than relying on a fixed annual schedule, check AFSP's current finder directly for dates in your region.
If you're in western Pennsylvania or the greater Pittsburgh area, the April T. Bocian Foundation (Grove City, PA) can help you find regional events:
- Check the foundation for local event calendars and community gatherings
- Follow its Facebook page for updates on the annual Golf Outing and other events
- Call 724-355-1909 or email abocian@redsafetyids.com for the latest details
Local foundations often know about smaller, community-specific events that national databases don't capture.
How to Get Involved Beyond Attending
Attending is great. Contributing more directly deepens the impact.
- Volunteer as an event organizer, table host, or crisis-line advocate in your community
- Fundraise through a peer-to-peer campaign or by sponsoring a table at a benefit dinner
- Partner as a business by sponsoring community events like golf outings, gaining visibility while funding prevention work
If you're a business owner in the Grove City or Pittsburgh area, sponsoring the April T. Bocian Foundation Golf Outing is one concrete way to put resources behind the mission. Call 724-355-1909 to ask about current sponsorship options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective way to prevent suicide?
Public health research most often points to connectedness, consistent mental health care, and reduced access to lethal means. No single step works alone—layered support matters most.
Is there a suicide prevention awareness day?
Yes. World Suicide Prevention Day falls on September 10, and the entire month of September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in the U.S.
Are there suicide prevention walks scheduled for 2026?
AFSP updates its Out of the Darkness Walk schedule on its official event finder. Check there directly, and contact local foundations for regional dates that may not appear nationally.
What colors should I wear for Suicide Prevention Month?
Teal and purple are the commonly recognized colors for suicide prevention awareness, worn throughout September to show support.
What activities are recommended for suicide prevention week?
Walks, awareness campaigns on social media, gatekeeper trainings like QPR, and local fundraisers are all recommended activities. Even small actions, like wearing awareness colors, count.
How can I get involved if there's no event near me?
Consider starting a virtual fundraiser or a local chapter of an existing organization. You can also contact the April T. Bocian Foundation directly at 724-355-1909 or abocian@redsafetyids.com to ask about remote ways to help.
If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7, free and confidential, by call or text.
