Take Steps for Change: Fort Bend Hike for Hope Supports Suicide Prevention
On April 12, 2025, the Fort Bend community will gather at Brazos River Park for the Fort Bend Hike for Hope, a powerful event dedicated to suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and community support. Organized as part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Walks, this event offers a space for healing, remembrance, and action to prevent suicide and reduce mental health stigma.
Suicide remains a leading public health crisis in the United States, with the CDC reporting it as the 11th leading cause of death. In 2022 alone, 49,476 Americans lost their lives to suicide, and an estimated 1.6 million people attempted suicide. Events like the Hike for Hope bring communities together to not only remember those lost but also to advocate for prevention, education, and access to mental health care.
Youth participating in Fort Bend Hike for Hope in 2024. (Source: Fort Bend Hike for Hope)A Walk of Remembrance, Support, and Awareness
The Hike for Hope serves as a reminder that no one walks alone in their struggle with mental health. A key feature of the event is the Honor Beads, a visual way for participants to share their connection to the cause. Each color represents a different experience, from losing a loved one to personal struggles with suicide or mental illness. This symbolic act allows participants to recognize and support one another in a shared journey of healing.
With vendor booths, photo opportunities, and community engagement activities, the event fosters an environment where attendees can connect with mental health resources, learn about available support services, and take meaningful steps toward suicide prevention advocacy.
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Why Events Like Hike for Hope Matter
A 2024 survey by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, AFSP, and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention revealed that 61% of adults know someone who has thought about, attempted, or died by suicide—a number that has risen steadily since 2018. While the majority of Americans believe suicide is preventable, barriers such as cost, accessibility, and stigma still prevent many from seeking professional mental health support.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, launched in 2022, has increased awareness of crisis support services. However, concerns about affordability and societal judgment still prevent many individuals from reaching out. Seven in ten adults report that something would stop them from trying to help someone struggling with suicidal thoughts, with common concerns including fear of saying the wrong thing or the belief that their help may not make a difference.
Despite these challenges, the Fort Bend Hike for Hope offers an opportunity to change perceptions, provide education, and reinforce the importance of community-driven mental health advocacy.
Photos of loved ones lost by suicide as a symbol of remembrance at the Fort Bend Hike for Hope in 2024. (Source: Fort Bend Hike for Hope)The Power of Community in Suicide Prevention
Mental health providers remain the most trusted resource for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, yet the support of family, friends, and community members is equally vital. The Hike for Hope encourages individuals to become active participants in suicide prevention, whether by raising awareness, fundraising for mental health initiatives, or simply starting conversations about mental well-being.
The event also highlights the importance of accessible mental health care, with nearly half of Americans believing that physical health is treated as more important than mental health within the healthcare system. Greater investment in education, policy change, and community support programs is essential in bridging this gap and ensuring that mental health is prioritized as much as physical health.
How to Get Involved
With a fundraising goal of $70,000, the Fort Bend Hike for Hope aims to support suicide prevention programs, crisis intervention resources, and advocacy efforts through AFSP. Participants can contribute by:
- Registering for the event here
- Raising $150 to receive the official Hike for Hope t-shirt
- Volunteering to spread the word about and support the event: Sign up here
- Sharing messages of hope and remembrance along the hike’s route
The event is already gaining momentum, with 110 participants and 32 teams raising over $5,700 so far. The goal is to unite even more individuals in a movement that emphasizes hope, resilience, and action against suicide.
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Breaking the Silence, Saving Lives
Participating in events like the Fort Bend Hike for Hope is more than just walking—it’s about breaking the silence surrounding suicide and mental health. Studies show that open conversations, community support, and awareness campaigns significantly contribute to suicide prevention efforts. The more people talk about mental health, the more barriers to care and stigma are reduced.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line for immediate support.
By walking together, sharing stories, and supporting one another, the Fort Bend community is taking a stand: Suicide is preventable, and every life is precious.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
