Gathering for Awareness
UPCOMING IMPACT
AWARENESS. TRAINING. COMMUNITY.
COME LEARN. COME SERVE. COME WALK ALONGSIDE OTHERS.
At Sisters Taking On the Prevention of Suicide (STOPS), our events bring women together to learn, connect, and take meaningful action – lighting the way toward hope, healing, and suicide prevention. Through awareness campaigns, training opportunities, and community gatherings, we create spaces where education meets compassion and no one walks alone.
Whether you are new to mental health advocacy or have been walking this journey for years, our events invite you to be part of a sisterhood committed to hope, healing, and prevention.
Each event is an opportunity to learn, connect, and stand together in support of mental health.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS EVENTS MATTER
Mental health awareness events play a vital role in reducing stigma, increasing understanding, and encouraging early intervention. When women are informed and supported, they are better equipped to recognize signs of mental health challenges, offer compassion, and help guide others toward care.
Awareness creates understanding.
Understanding leads to action.
Action saves lives.
Our events help transform concern into confidence and compassion into meaningful support.
What You’ll Find at STOPS Events
Our events are designed to meet women where they are and gently invite them forward.
- Awareness Events
Learn about key mental health topics, national awareness days, and suicide prevention efforts throughout the year.
- Training Opportunities
Participate in Mental Health First Aid courses and educational workshops that equip women with practical, life-saving skills.
- Community Gatherings
Connect with other women through conversations, shared experiences, and supportive engagement.
- Volunteer & Engagement Opportunities
Discover ways to serve, advocate, and participate in suicide prevention efforts within your community.
Each awareness event serves as a reminder that prevention begins with knowledge—and that awareness is a powerful step toward healing.
FEATURED AWARENESS EVENTS MAY – AUGUST: A SEASON OF CONNECTION & COURAGE
MAY – Mental Health Awareness & Whole-Person Wellness
Key Awareness Observances:
- Mental Health Awareness Month
- National Trauma Awareness Month
- National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (1st week of May)
- Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (early May)
- National Prevention Week (mid-May)
May Summary:
May serves as a cornerstone for mental health awareness—bringing national attention to the importance of emotional well-being, early intervention, and access to care. This month encourages open conversations, education, and advocacy, reminding us that mental health is an essential part of overall health.
JUNE – Identity, Inclusion & Healing
Key Awareness Observances:
- PTSD Awareness Month
- Men’s Health Month
- National Minority Mental Health Awareness (early observances begin building)
- PTSD Awareness Day – June 27
June Summary:
June highlights the importance of understanding lived experiences. It calls attention to trauma, cultural awareness, and the unique mental health challenges faced by diverse communities—encouraging compassion, dignity, and equitable access to support.
JULY – Equity, Awareness & Community Care
Key Awareness Observances:
- National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
- Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Week (mid-July)
- National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month
July Summary:
July centers on mental health equity and the importance of culturally competent care. This month brings awareness to disparities in access and treatment, while honoring the voices and experiences of underrepresented communities. It also gently acknowledges grief and loss, creating space for healing and remembrance.
AUGUST – Resilience, Recovery & Support
Key Awareness Observances:
- National Wellness Month
- National Grief Awareness Day – August 30
- International Overdose Awareness Day – August 31
August Summary:
August focuses on personal wellness, recovery, and the ongoing journey of healing. It encourages individuals to prioritize self-care, recognize the impact of loss, and support those navigating recovery. This month reminds us that resilience is built over time—and that support can make all the difference.
How You Can Participate
- Reflect on your mental and emotional well-being
- Learn about mental health resources and support
- Practice self-care and encourage others to do the same
- Share messages that promote hope and wellness
Get Involved
Join us in recognizing this season of awareness by committing to compassion, education, and care for yourself and others.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING & COMMUNITY GATHERINGS
Our events are designed to meet women where they are—offering simple, meaningful ways to learn, connect, and take part in suicide prevention together.
Ways to Get Involved
Mental Health First Aid Trainings
Cost: FREE (Typically a $125–$200 value)
Format: Interactive, Live on Zoom
Facilitator: Layla Bluefort, MSW, 2025 Mental Health First Aid Instructor of the Year
Choose Your Date:
June 17
June 26
Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM (EST), Local start times: 9:30 AM CT | 8:30 AM MT | 7:30 AM PT
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/wabASgCXcQ
Pre-work is required, so early registration is encouraged.
Advocacy & Policy Engagement
AFSP chapters are hosting 2026 Advocacy Action Day events in almost every state capital across the U.S., from January through May -- and your voices DO make a difference! Last year, we celebrated 28 state bills enacted into law that were supported at AFSP Advocacy Action Days!
Annual Advocacy Forum: May 10-13, 2026
The Advocacy Forum brings together AFSP Volunteer Advocates from across the country to make their voices heard for suicide prevention and mental health. AFSP Advocates are joined by members of Congress, policy experts, and others impacted by suicide and mental health to learn about the federal policy changes and legislation that can save lives.
Learn how you can make an impact for the policy areas that need support by signing up as an AFSP Volunteer Advocate.
Research & Out of the Darkness Walks
Community Walks: AFSP's signature fundraising series brings together friends, family, and supporters in more than 400 communities nationwide.
Campus Walks: Engage young adults in AFSP's mission and programs with walks each spring at colleges and high schools across the country.
Overnight Walk: AFSP's flagship fundraising event, The Overnight is a challenging endurance walk from dusk to dawn that rotates cities each year.
Learn more about the Out of the Darkness Walks.
SHE Circles – Coming Soon
Our SHE (Seen. Heard. Empowered.) Circles are currently in development. These peer support gatherings will provide a safe and welcoming space for women to connect, share experiences, and support one another through life’s mental health journeys.
Meeting dates and details will be posted here as they become available.
If you’re interested in being part of a future SHE Circle, we invite you to reach out and stay connected with us.
Lighting the Way Together
Our events are open to women at every stage of their journey.
Attend an awareness event
Register for a training
Volunteer your time or skills
Advocate for mental health in your community
There is no single way to participate — every step forward matters.
To learn more about our upcoming events and initiatives, we invite you to contact us. We’d love to connect with you, answer your questions, and help you take the next step in lighting the way to hope and healing.
When awareness grows, understanding deepens—and lives are better protected.