Broncos Designate Events to Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention Week

BOISE, Idaho – In alliance with campus partners, Boise State Athletics and BroncoBOLD, a student-athlete led mental health initiative, is recognizing Suicide Prevention Week September 10-16 supporting multiple events with the goal to increase awareness of mental health resources available to the community, promote help seeking behavior, and foster a culture of care.

"We have prioritized mental health awareness and education for our student-athletes, coaches, and staff because it can impact all areas of life; physical, emotional and social," said Stephanie Donaldson, Director of Athletic Counseling & Performance Psychology. "Suicide is a serious public health issue in the U.S. In 2023, for those under the age of 50, suicide is the second leading cause of death behind overdose. We are committed to raising awareness, reducing stigmas about suicide and substance use, and providing resources and tools for those in need."

Bronco student-athletes will host two events including Puppies & Popsicles with Jett, Boise State's Athletics sports therapy dog, on Thursday and "Chalk the Walk" on Friday afternoon. A complete list of campus activities is available here.

Sport programs in competition will wear "BroncoBOLD Mental Health Matters" shirts during warm-ups and coaches will wear purple and teal ribbons as a symbol of support.

During Sunday's soccer match, the Broncos teamed up with Oregon State's student-athlete mental health initiative, Dam Worth It, to advocate for Suicide Prevention Week. Fans held up personalized Cause Cards during halftime to share how they support their own mental health or how they create connection with others.

Prior to Saturday's football game, student-athletes will staff resource tables with assistance from local organizations, the Speedy Foundation and Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline .

The week-long campaign follows the recent launch of the BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Program with students and administrators from Borah, Capital, Marsing, and Timberline High Schools. The BroncoBOLD H.S. Ambassador Program is a three-year program designed to provide education and tools to support motivated high school students to become active leaders and advocates of mental health on their campus and in their community.

For more information on current suicide research, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at https://afsp.org/chapter/idaho .