Chalk the Walk 2026 Invites Communities Across South Dakota to Spread Messages of Hope on World Suicide Prevention Day
What began as a simple effort to share messages of hope and kindness on the South Dakota Mines campus has grown into a statewide movement encouraging communities across South Dakota to remind people that they matter, they are valued and they are not alone.
People across the state are invited to participate in Chalk the Walk 2026 on Thursday, Sept. 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, by filling sidewalks, walkways, and gathering spaces with messages of hope, encouragement, kindness and support.
The initiative began in 2020 by the university’s Veterans Club, in partnership with the local Department of Veterans Affairs, to recognize Suicide Prevention Month and create visible reminders of hope throughout campus. Over the years, the effort expanded beyond campus, with businesses, schools, nonprofits and community organizations across Rapid City joining together in the effort to spread positive messages.
While Lost&Found, the organization that helped coordinate the event in past years, has dissolved, communities across South Dakota are continuing the meaningful tradition.
"A few words written in chalk can brighten a person's day, spark a meaningful conversation, and remind someone that hope and help are available," said Whitney Bischoff, organizer of the 2026 effort. "The organizations involved may change, but the importance of suicide prevention and the impact of compassionate community action remain the same."
The purpose of Chalk the Walk remains simple yet powerful: create visible reminders that people matter, are valued and are never alone.
Bishoff knows the impact of Chalk the Walk, having heard inspiring stories about the power of the event. “One person said they had a client who saw kindness messages at a similar event, and it showed them that it was a sign to ask for help.”
Participants are encouraged to create messages focused on hope, kindness, resilience, connection and mental wellness. Organizations may also choose to include information about available support resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
“This event provides information for students about the prevalence of suicide on college campuses and information about how to engage and assist someone who is thinking about suicide,” said Duane Kavanaugh, the director of counseling services at Mines, adding that suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst college students. “It lets students know that they are important and that there is help. A few years ago, a student came in for counseling after reading a positive message on the walk rather than acting on their suicidal thoughts.”
Participating Organizations
Organizations from communities across South Dakota have committed to participating in Chalk the Walk 2026, including:
- South Dakota Mines Wellness Committee
- Lifeways
- YMCA of the Black Hills
- South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Behavioral Health
- Rapid City Police Department
- EmpowerEd
- Greenridge Apartments by Cohen-Esrey
- Mitchell SD Rocks & AlterNatives
- Rapid Transit System
- Hope Storm Coaching, Consulting & Hypnotherapy
- Complete Health
- Black Hills Children’s Home
- Rural America Initiatives Prenatal to Five Head Start Program
- Safe Place of Eastern South Dakota
- Brookings Area United Way
- Vista Care
- Journey On
- Connect
- Catholic Social Services
- Community Action for Veterans
- Rapid City Youth City Council, using City Hall as its Chalk the Walk location
- Monument Health
- Meyer and Dana Orthodontics
Additional organizations may join the effort before Sept. 10.
Businesses, schools, nonprofits, faith communities and community groups are encouraged to participate at their own locations. Participants are responsible for providing their own chalk and creating messages on sidewalks and outdoor spaces where permitted. Community members are encouraged to visit participating locations throughout the day and share photos of chalk messages and community activities on social media to help spread the message of hope across South Dakota
People are also encouraged to share photos of their Chalk the Walk messages and activities using #ChalkTheWalk2026.
“By sharing photos and tagging participating organizations, community members can help amplify the message that support, hope and connection are available to everyone,” Bischoff said.
Organizations interested in participating can contact Whitney Bischoff at whitneysbishcoff@gmail.com or simply participate by chalking at their location on Sept. 10.
Together, communities across South Dakota can create a statewide display of encouragement and support during Suicide Prevention Month and remind neighbors, friends and passersby that no one has to face life’s challenges alone.