Boise State student-athletes and Treasure Valley residents used washable chalk on Monday to cover sidewalks with messages of hope and mental health support, launching the university’s weeklong suicide prevention initiative, according to event organizers.
Chalk the Walk Event Details and Locations
The communitywide “Chalk the Walk for Mental Health” event brought participants to Boise City Hall Plaza, several locations across the Boise State campus, and athletic facilities including Hall of Fame Plaza, ExtraMile Arena Plaza, the Varsity Center, and Bleymaier Football Center. According to Boise city council president pro tem Kathy Corless, organizers distributed chalk kits to 30 Boise neighborhood associations, while Boise State staff and student-athletes handed out kits to fans following the Broncos’ home opener on Saturday. Corless stated that involving youth helps show them they are supported and not alone in the community.
BroncoBOLD and Community Mental Health Outreach
The mental health initiative BroncoBOLD coordinates these campus and community programs, growing out of an effort launched in September 2019 by Kennedi Paul and director of athletic counseling and performance psychology Stephanie Donaldson, according to university records. Donaldson noted that student-athletes act as natural spokespeople for mental health due to their platform and drive for improvement. Through grants from the Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation in Eagle, Idaho, BroncoBOLD has expanded to mentor students from high schools, as detailed by university reports.
Suicide Prevention Week Schedule and Resources
Boise State’s Suicide Prevention Week runs through Saturday, Sept. 19, featuring collaborative events hosted by BroncoBOLD, BroncoFit, the Office of the Dean of Students, and University Health Services. According to athletic department records, community members and students seeking support can access several crisis resources, including the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-208-398-HELP (4357), and campus counseling services at 208-426-1459.
Did you know? BroncoBOLD has hosted leadership summits bringing together representatives from high schools across Idaho, such as Timberline, Borah, Capitol, and Marsing high schools, to help student leaders build local mental health programs, according to university archives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Boise State’s Suicide Prevention Week take place?
Suicide Prevention Week activities run through Saturday, Sept. 19, according to event schedules.
What is BroncoBOLD?
According to Boise State University, BroncoBOLD is a student-athlete-led mental health initiative established in 2019 to normalize conversations about mental health and provide campus and community programming.
Who can participate in the High School Ambassador Program?
Students from 85 Idaho schools, including 20 participating high schools, were invited to take part in activities coordinated by Boise State student-athletes and advisors, according to university reports.
What immediate resources are available for crisis support?
Individuals can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or reach the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-208-398-HELP (4357), according to athletic department public disclosures.
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