Boise State student-athletes and locals turned sidewalks into canvases to launch Suicide Prevention Week, spreading mental health awareness with uplifting chalk art.

BOISE, Idaho — Boise State student-athletes and Treasure Valley residents used chalk Monday to spread messages of hope and support for mental health.

Boise State’s BoncoBOLD program, led by student-athletes’ mental health initiative, hosted its communitywide “Chalk the Walk for Mental Health” event to kick off Suicide Prevention Week. Participants at several locations, including Boise City Hall, got their hands dirty and used colorful, but washable chalk to write and draw messages focused on mental health.



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While the artists created different chalk masterpieces, the core message was the same: words of encouragement for those struggling with mental health. 

“It’s so important to bring all our youth together to show them, as a city, that we support them and have them involved in this process, for them to see they’re not alone in this community,” Boise city council president pro tem Kathy Corless said. “We want to see all the high schools as well as BSU represented.”

The main event was held at Boise City Hall Plaza, with other chalk activities taking place across Boise State’s campus and near athletic facilities including Hall of Fame Plaza, ExtraMile Arena Plaza, the Varsity Center and Bleymaier Football Center.

Chalk kits were distributed to 30 Boise neighborhood associations. Boise State staff and student-athletes also handed out kits to fans after the Broncos’ home opener Saturday.

Students from 85 Idaho schools, including 20 high schools participating in the BroncoBOLD High School Ambassador Program, were invited to take part, along with Boise State coaches, staff and administrators and Corless.

The event launched Boise State’s Suicide Prevention Week activities, which run through Saturday, Sept. 19.