Changing the Conversation Around Mental Health in Indianapolis
The DKY Foundation is on a mission to reshape how communities tackle mental health and suicide prevention. They focus on raising awareness, building connections, and encouraging early intervention.
Co-founder and President Staci A. Inskeep highlights that their aim is to address suicide— one of the leading causes of death— by creating support systems in workplaces, homes, and public areas, rather than just in clinical settings.
In the United States, suicide ranks among the top ten leading causes of death. Inskeep points out that people in high-pressure jobs are three to five times more likely to take their own lives than those in other positions. The foundation strives to empower everyone with the tools needed to help someone in distress before a crisis worsens.
Marcus Ericsson, the 2022 winner of the Indianapolis 500, recently teamed up with the DKY Foundation to feature a special helmet design aimed at raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, particularly in the construction industry.
The DKY Foundation also offers scholarships for training in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), which teaches individuals to recognize warning signs of suicidal thoughts and how to respond effectively.
Inskeep insists that the responsibility for preventing suicide extends beyond clinical care. “We believe suicide prevention is everyone’s duty, whether at home, in the community, or at work,” she said. “Having open conversations about suicide can lead to real prevention.”
The organization collaborates with businesses to create mental wellness programs that promote honest discussions about emotional health and signs of potential crises.
A key part of their strategy is to meet people where they are, rather than only relying on professional interventions. Inskeep explains that stigma often keeps people from speaking about suicide, with many fearing that mentioning it could inspire the thought. However, she cites research showing that talking about it can indeed save lives.
“People just want to feel heard,” Inskeep said. “They seek out support, and even a flicker of hope can make a huge difference.”
She emphasizes that moments of crisis for those grappling with suicidal thoughts can be brief, often lasting just one to four hours. Providing support during these crucial moments can be life-saving.
Inskeep also noted that certain groups, such as healthcare workers and veterans, are at a higher risk. Women in the healthcare sector, for instance, are three times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population.
The DKY Foundation encourages its “Be Your People’s Keeper” initiative, which reminds everyone to be attentive to those around them. Inskeep describes this approach as simple yet powerful. “Just being aware of your people and being present can make all the difference,” she expressed.
Looking ahead, the foundation plans to launch the “4HRS 4U” campaign in August 2026 as part of its ongoing efforts to promote suicide prevention. For more details, you can visit their website.
