Wichita State University and the City of Wichita are proclaiming Jan. 21 as “Suspenders4Hope Day” throughout the city. The declaration honors the origins, growth and impact of Suspenders4Hope, a mental wellness and suicide prevention initiative developed at Wichita State that empowers community members to better support those in distress and build a culture of care.

Launched in 2016, Suspenders4Hope has grown significantly over the past decade. Now in its tenth year, the initiative has expanded beyond the university through partnerships with schools, health systems, hospitality organizations and community groups. More than 10,000 individuals have completed the training to date, contributing to growing momentum across Wichita and Kansas.

“This is a positive day for Wichita State University and our entire city,” said WSU President Rick Muma. “Suspenders4Hope began with the simple belief that no one should feel alone in their struggles. To see this mission embraced citywide is incredibly powerful. The proclamation of Suspenders4Hope Day underscores our shared commitment to mental well-being and sends a clear message: support is available, and we are stronger when we show up for one another. We are deeply grateful to Mayor Wu and the City Council for championing this work.”

Suspenders4Hope combines evidence-informed mental wellness training with its signature visual symbol: suspenders worn to communicate support, solidarity and hope. The program promotes early intervention through its “Share, Ask, Support” method, empowering individuals to share openly, ask directly about suicide and offer support by helping connect others to resources. Its tagline, “We Support U,” reinforces this message by reminding individuals they are not alone.

“The health and well-being of Wichitans is vital to the strength of our city,” said Wichita Mayor Lily Wu. “Suspenders4Hope, developed at Wichita State, has proven that intentional training and an informed community can make a real difference. By declaring Jan. 21 as Suspenders4Hope Day, we are not only recognizing a remarkable program, we are encouraging every Wichitan to be more aware, supportive and connected. We urge residents to wear suspenders or Suspenders4Hope apparel, engage in conversations and show support on this important day.”

On Jan. 21, individuals and organizations across Wichita are encouraged to celebrate Suspenders4Hope Day and participate by wearing suspenders or Suspenders4Hope apparel and by initiating supportive conversations about mental health and wellness. Information on the day’s events is below. Go to www.suspenders4hope.com to access training and resources available through the organization’s website.   

Suspenders4Hope Day order of events

9 a.m. Promoting Mental Wellness Preventing Suicide Training for Students for faculty and staff

• Wichita State University, Rhatigan Student Center Room 264.

9 a.m. Promoting Mental Wellness & Preventing Suicide Training for City of Wichita employees

• Wichita City Hall, City Council Chambers

6:30 p.m. Black Out Mental Health Stigma with WSU’s Men’s Basketball

• Free Suspenders4Hope bracelet to first 3,000 attendees
• Suspenders4Hope Day proclamation during first in-game recognition

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 for confidential mental health support.

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Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 overall for engineering R&D.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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