Leidos: Leading the Way in the Fight To Stop Suicide
Leidos is an innovation company rapidly addressing the world’s most vexing challenges. With a deep legacy of engaging its employees and communities on important issues, Leidos has prioritized taking a leadership role addressing the various challenges surrounding mental health. Since 2018, Leidos has worked with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) National Capital Area Chapter (NCAC) in support of our mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Over the years, their engagement with the AFSP has grown from its beginnings here in the D.C. Metro Area to an international level.
Throughout 2023, Leidos and the AFSP have sought out ways to engage and educate Leidos employees. AFSP-NCAC Executive Director Ellen Shannon has shared with Leidos executives about AFSP’s lifesaving mission and, during Mental Health Awareness Month in May, presented AFSP’s educational program “Safe Reporting on Suicide” for Leidos’ international communications team. The presentation took place at Leidos Global Headquarters in Reston, VA and was streamed to Leidos communication team employees worldwide.
When it came to be AFSP’s Walk Season, not only did Leidos return as the Presenting Sponsor for all four of the NCAC’s Out of the Darkness Community Walks (Prince William, Loudoun, Fairfax, and Washington, D.C.) for its 5th year in a row, but they expanded their support of the AFSP Out of the Darkness Community Walks to a national level, and worked with NCAC to develop afsp.org/Leidos. This website is a one-stop-shop where all Leidos employees can learn about the AFSP, find their local Out of the Darkness Walk, form or join a Walk team, and give a financial contribution to support Leidos’ fundraising efforts for the AFSP.
As part of their support and awareness-raising campaign for the Walks, in August, Leidos and the NCAC hosted a virtual Out of the Darkness kickoff presentation for to all Leidos employees. This event was led by Leidos Corporate Responsibility Specialist Janelle Hunter and covered everything from how funds raised support the AFSP’s mission to awareness-raising tips for teams and participants.
In September, Leidos’s News Rooms published the article Breaking the Silence to Prevent Suicide, exemplifying their leadership’s support for the AFSP’s mission and providing lifesaving information and resources as well as ways their employees can take action to fight suicide.
Throughout September and October, 11 Leidos Out of the Darkness Walk Teams across the United States recruited 225 participants and raised $174,766, and that doesn’t even include funds raised through their sponsorships of the San Diego and Northern Alabama Walks!
The NCAC is so grateful for Leidos and their outstanding support in the DMV and across the globe. We look forward to continuing our work together to save lives as their leadership and dedication to bringing suicide Out of the Darkness provides a shining beacon of hope to all!
