INDIANAPOLIS (WISH)— The DKY Foundation is working to change how communities approach mental health and suicide prevention by emphasizing awareness, connection and early intervention.
Co-founder and President Staci A. Inskeep said the organization’s mission is centered on addressing suicide as a leading cause of death through support systems in workplaces, homes and community settings, not solely in clinical environments.
Suicide remains among the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States. Inskeep noted that individuals in high-demand, high-stress occupations are three to five times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. The foundation aims to equip everyday people with tools to respond when someone is struggling, before a crisis escalates.
For the 110th Indianapolis 500, 2022 race winner Marcus Ericsson partnered with InPwr’s DKY Foundation on a special helmet design to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry.
Click the link below to learn more about how Ericsson is using his Indy 500 platform to support mental health awareness through his helmet design.
Marcus Ericsson raises mental health awareness with Indy 500 helmet design – Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic | WISH-TV |
The DKY Foundation provides scholarships for QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training in workplaces. The program teaches simple skills to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately.
Inskeep said the foundation believes suicide prevention must extend beyond clinical care.
“Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility, not just in our homes or our communities, but also in the workplace,” Inskeep said. “We think that if we can talk about suicide in an open way, then we can certainly prevent suicide.”
The organization works with businesses to build mental wellness programs that encourage open dialogue about emotional health and crisis warning signs.
“We think that if we can talk about suicide in an open way, then we can certainly prevent suicide,” Inskeep said.
A key part of the foundation’s approach is meeting people where they are, rather than relying solely on clinical intervention. Inskeep said stigma often prevents people from discussing suicide, including the misconception that asking about it could plant the idea.
However, she said research shows the opposite.
“Research shows over and over that talking about it actually saves lives,” Inskeep said. “People really just want to be heard. They want to be listened to. They want to know that they have a support system. And any amount of hope allows them another day.”
Inskeep also noted that crisis moments for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts are often brief, typically lasting “one to 4 hours.” She said timely support during that window can be life-saving.
She pointed to groups at elevated risk, including health care workers and veterans, and said women in health care are three times more likely to die by suicide than the general population.
The DKY Foundation also promotes its “Be Your People’s Keeper” campaign, encouraging individuals to remain present and attentive to those around them.
Inskeep described the concept as simple but powerful.
“Just knowing who your people are, looking around, being present,” she said. “Being present is the rarest form of generosity.”
The foundation plans to launch its “4HRS 4U” campaign in August 2026 as part of its ongoing prevention efforts. For more information, visit www.dkyfoundation.org.
