NEW YORK, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Join the fight against suicide prevention among young adults and the construction industry this spring. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization, invites communities across the country to participate in Out of the Darkness Campus Walks and Construction Hike for Hope events that raise funds for AFSP’s research and education efforts. To participate and find an event near you, visit afsp.org/give.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among those ages 15-24. Through AFSP’s Out of the Darkness (OOTD) Campus Walks, high school and college students, faculty and others get the chance to raise mental health awareness and remind their peers they are not alone. In 2025, AFSP hosted 176 Campus Walks with over 29,000 participants, and they raised over $1.7 million for the cause.
“As someone who has lived with suicidal ideation, I became a walk chair because I believe that community and open conversations about mental health and suicide can create hope and make it easier for people to seek help,” said Tobey Smith, University of Central Florida campus walk chair. “No matter your story — whether you’re struggling, supporting someone, or grieving — you are not alone. Through connection and support, we find the hope and resilience to keep going.”
Additionally, AFSP will host Construction Hike for Hope events throughout the spring and summer. The construction industry faces one of the highest suicide rates of any profession, with an estimated twelve construction workers across the U.S. dying by suicide daily. Through these events, communities come together to share the message that mental health matters in the construction industry, reinforcing the importance of having resources and education to help those struggling in high-risk occupations like construction. For more information on our construction initiatives, visit hardhatcourage.com.
“The construction industry is built on strength and resilience, but real strength is also found in vulnerability, connection, and looking out for one another,” said Jaime Franchi, AFSP Long Island Construction Hike for Hope chair. “Through my work with the Long Island Contractors’ Association (LICA) and as a chair for the Construction Hike for Hope, I am proud to help drive a culture shift where mental health is prioritized and people feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach out.”
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with its Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Media interested in speaking with AFSP on this news are encouraged to fill out this press request form and explore AFSP’s Safe Storytelling Studio for ethical reporting guidance.
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SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
