AFSP Wisconsin Chapter
May 4, 2025
Events at Two Locations Create Awareness of Suicide Risk Among Construction Professionals and Raise Money for Suicide Prevention
MILWAUKEE — The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has announced it will hold two Hike for Hope events to raise money for suicide prevention and create awareness of suicide risk among construction professionals.
The hikes will take place on June 14, 2025, at Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and Marsh Haven Nature Center in Waupun, Wisconsin, and are open to the public. Hikers do not need to have a connection to the construction profession, simply a desire to support suicide prevention efforts in the state. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the program begins at 10:30 a.m. The scenic routes are appropriate for all hikers, regardless of experience, and will take place in some of the most picturesque areas of the state.
“According to the CDC’s data on suicide risk within occupational groups, the construction and extraction industries were found to have the highest rate of suicide in the United States,” said Gena Orlando, Wisconsin Area Director for AFSP. “These hikes will help raise awareness of the risk of suicide among construction professionals and raise money so we can continue our critical suicide prevention efforts in the state of Wisconsin.”
There is no fee or fundraising minimum to participate; however, every participant who raises $150 by June 14 will receive a Hike for Hope t-shirt at the event.
“Hike for Hope wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of businesses that prioritize the mental health of their employees and want to ensure suicide prevention resources are available throughout the state,” said Orlando. “We encourage all businesses, especially within the construction profession, to consider supporting this event through a sponsorship.”
Visit AFSP.org/Wisconsin to register and for more information about becoming a sponsor or volunteering the day of the event.
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 a public policy office in Washington, DC, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, DC 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.
