Each year in the United States, it is estimated that over 50,000 people die by suicide annually—a staggering statistic that highlights the urgent need for awareness, support, and resources. Among these, the construction industry is disproportionately affected, with an estimated 5,500 construction workers dying by suicide annually, making it one of the industries with the highest suicide rates.

Thanks to the inspiring dedication of 2024 participants, last year’s event raised approximately $120,000 and brought together 600 people to raise awareness and connect individuals with vital resources. The incredible turnout included many personally impacted by suicide, making the day one of hope, positivity, and unity. Attendees were already asking about the next event before they left!

The enthusiasm has been truly contagious—our planning committee has grown from just 5 members to over 15 energized individuals, all eager to build on last year’s success.

We’re excited to announce the 2025 Hike for Hope, scheduled for Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at Bear Mountain. You can find event details and sign-up information here: 2025 Hike for Hope – Bear Mountain – AFSP.

Why Support the 2025 Hike for Hope?

Increased Impact: With an even larger turnout expected, your sponsorship will touch even more lives.
Community Visibility: Last year’s sponsorships were so popular that we nearly ran out of space on the event t-shirts for logos. This year, with heightened interest, we anticipate the t-shirt space will likely be completely filled!
Expanding Opportunities: Based on feedback, we’re enhancing the experience with trail options (including nonpaved paths, weather permitting), new sponsorship opportunities, and additional food choices like food trucks.

Please note that attendees can register for free, with no fundraising requirements. Parking fees at the Bear Mountain Inn are also expected to be waived with an event parking voucher—details will follow.

We’re also offering business card-sized flyers for easy distribution to employees, family, or friends. These are currently being ordered, so please let me know if you’d like some!

This event continues to grow as a beacon of hope and connection. With your partnership, we can make an even greater impact in 2025.

Common Questions

1. Why Bear Mountain?
   Bear Mountain offers beautiful views of the buildings on site, the nearby Bear Mountain Bridge, and Hessian Lake. Learn more.
   It is easily accessible from many locations.
   It has trails suitable for everyone, from average walkers to experienced hikers.
2. Are the hikes for experienced hikers only?
   No, the main route option for the Hike is on pavement.
   There are options for all levels, with hikes as short as ¾ of a mile and as long as 2 ¾ miles.
   Detailed hike options can be found on the Bear Mountain website.
3. Is there an option to sponsor online?
   Yes, view sponsorship options, upload logos, and pay online at AFSP’s Sponsorship Page.
   Instructions for logo submission are also available on the link.
   Payments can be made via credit card or check.
   Checks payable to: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
   Mail to: AFSP, PO Box 266, Lagrangeville, New York, NY 12540
4. Is this planned to be a family friendly event?
   Yes and the following has been considered:
   A message that focuses on HOPE and being together as a community.
   Activities for kids (Items available for use – wiffleballs, soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, cornhole, etc.)
   A trail that goes through the Bear Mountain Zoo.
5. What is the cutoff date for logos to appear on t-shirts?
   The cutoff date is March 20th, 2025.
6. Who can assist with questions?
   Maria Idoni
   Area Director, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Hudson Valley/Westchester Chapter
   Phone: (914) 610-9156
   Email: midoni@afsp.org
7. Is there a fee for parking? Yes, the NY State-run facility charges $10 per passenger vehicle.
   We anticipate the Hike website having details on a parking voucher, so please check the website as the event gets closer.
8. Are dogs allowed to attend?
   Leashed Dogs are allowed, but NOT in the ZOO.
   It is encouraged that only well-behaved dogs attend to minimize the potential for incidents, as many people are expected participate in this family friendly event meant to bring people together as a community.
9. Are buses allowed?
   Yes, but permits are required. Please contact Maria Idoni in advance.

We are honored to announce Matthew Harris as the recipient of our 2024/2025 Chapter
Safety Professional of the Year (SPY) award. This award recognizes his outstanding
contributions and commitment, not only to his professional field but also to the ASSP
Long Island Chapter.
Matthew’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Chapter through the
challenges of COVID-19, and he has continued to drive its success in the years that
followed. His professional dedication to environmental safety and his unwavering
support for the chapter has made a lasting impact.
About Matthew Harris:
Matthew is the Compliance Manager for the Waste Management Program at
Brookhaven National Laboratory, where he is responsible for managing the generation
and disposal of radioactive and hazardous waste. He holds a B.S. in Business
Administration with an Environmental Studies minor and a M.S. in Occupational Safety
and Health with a concentration in Environmental Management.
In addition to his professional expertise in environmental regulatory compliance,
industrial hygiene, quality assurance, and project management, Matthew has shown a
deep commitment to the ASSP Long Island Chapter. As a Past-President and current Treasurer, he continues to dedicate his time and energy to advancing the Chapter’s
mission.
Please join us in congratulating Matthew Harris on receiving the well-deserved
2024/2025 SPY Award!

We are excited to announce the Call for Speakers for the Long Island ASSP 2025 Professional Development Conference (PDC). The PDC will be held in-person at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, on May 7th, 2025. 

If you are interested in presenting, please fill out the form below. PDC presentations are typically an hour long, including Q&A. We are looking forward to reviewing your proposals! 

For any question, please contact us at assplongislandchapter@gmail.com.

Speaker Proposal Form

• October 25, 2024
   8:00 am – 5:00 pm 

The educational program breakout sessions will include topics such as safety leadership, fall protection, mental health, substance abuse, toxicology, fire safety and other current topics presented by experienced leaders in each of the fields being offered.

0.6 CEU’s will be available for this PDC!

Conference Fee for the day includes Box lunch.

For additional information and to register click here.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and September 9-13 is Construction Suicide Prevention Week, an annual event promoting awareness of the unique challenges faced by construction workers, how they can contribute to mental health challenges, including suicide risk, and what can be done to reduce risk and save lives.  

Tuesday, September 10, at 12 pm – 1 pm ET, join us for our next Seasons of Safety Lunch & Learn Webinar, Suicide Prevention and Awareness – Within the Construction Industry and Beyond.   OSHA New York Region, Compliance Assistance Specialists will have a variety of speakers discuss the growing issue of suicide in America and workplaces, particularly in the Construction industry.

Event Highlights:

Keynote Speaker – John Dahunsi, OSHA – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, NP

Suicide in America – is it an Epidemic? Mr. Dahunsi has extensive knowledge regarding overall mental health issues as well as the factors contributing to a higher risk of suicide.

Hope M. Tiesman, CDC/NIOSH, Research Epidemiologist

Work Factors, Suicide, and Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry. Sharing her expertise as a research epidemiologist at NIOSH studying suicides, Ms. Tiesman will review her findings on the work factors of suicide along with suicide prevention in the construction industry.

Joesph Raffaele Jr., Turner Construction, Project Safety Manager, Buffalo Bills Stadium Project

Addressing mental health and wellness on a large construction project. Overseeing one of the largest construction projects for Turner Construction Company at the Buffalo Bills Stadium project in Western New York, Mr. Raffaele will discuss recognizing the importance of worker mental health. He will discuss the commitment and benefits of maintaining a full-time mental health counselor along with a physical wellness coach on this project.

Please use this link to register via Eventbrite –  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/suicide-prevention-within-the-construction-industry-and-beyond-tickets-996027995547

Available resources include videos, toolbox talks, a social media toolkit and a sample Stand-Down agenda, and participants are encouraged to register their participation. For more information, see constructionsuicideprevention.com.  OSHA’s poster, Suicide Prevention: 5 Things You Should Know, handout, Role of Employers in Preventing Suicides, and fact sheet, Workplace Mental Health, are all available in English and Spanish.  

Please feel free to forward to any interested stakeholders.

Thank you ALL for your efforts to ensure the Safety and Health of our country’s work force!!