Boise State University

02/24/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 02/24/2026 16:32

Social work student transforms personal loss into community action

This article contains references to suicide and may be distressing to some readers. If you are currently experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

While grieving a friend lost to suicide, Lorraine Draper realized there were gaps in the resources available - both for those struggling with mental health challenges and survivors needing support. As a student majoring in social work, she decided to use her personal experience and the skills developed through her coursework to do something about it. The result of her action is Light the Night for Hope, an event dedicated to suicide prevention, mental health awareness and community connection.

The event is 5:30-8 p.m. on April 29 in the Student Union Building's Jordan Ballroom. Tickets are available on a sliding scale with a suggested $20 donation.

"Light the Night for Hope is at the intersection of education and community leadership," Draper said. "It's about bringing the community together and sharing resources to make sure individuals leave the event educated, empowered and connected to each other."

Members of the Organization of Student Social Workers

Hosted by the Organization of Student Social Workers at Boise State University, of which Draper is the president, the event will feature students, mental-health professionals, community partners and advocates to inspire hope, reduce stigma and support lifesaving work across Idaho. Proceeds will benefit the Idaho Foundation for Suicide Prevention which provides education, crisis-support initiatives and community programming to support statewide suicide-prevention efforts.

Lorraine Draper will graduate with a degree in social work in May 2026

"In my social work classes we're trained to look at issues from micro, mezzo (community) and macro levels," Draper said. "This event touches all three - individuals will leave knowing where to turn for support, the community is stronger through organization and by providing a supportive environment, and at the macro level we aim to address stigma and look at systemic gaps and policy awareness."

The event will feature a resource fair bringing together nearly 20 community and campus organizations working in suicide prevention and supporting mental health, as well as a keynote address and expert panel discussion.

"It has been amazing to work with Lorraine as she plans and organizes this event," said Ray Mullenax, faculty advisor for the Organization of Student Social Workers. "By pulling together resources within the Boise State campus community and outside of Boise State, she's created a great opportunity to educate attendees about suicide awareness."

Draper hopes to hold the event annually and has started a nonprofit to organize this, and other events in the community. She will earn her bachelor's in May 2026 and will pursue her Master of Social Work degree at Boise State in the fall of 2026.

Heather Witt, an associate professor in the School of Social Work commended Draper for her thoughtfulness and intention in planning the event.

"Lorraine embodies social work values, especially those of service, dignity and worth of the person, and integrity, in all that she does," Witt said. "She came to our program already living our profession's values, and this event is only a single example of that."

Boise State University published this content on February 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 24, 2026 at 22:32 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]