J.B. Hunt gives $1.25 million for suicide prevention programs

by Jeff Della Rosa ([email protected]) 503 views 

Lowell-based carrier J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. will give $1.25 million to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to support the programs of the organization that’s dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, according to a Tuesday (Oct. 5) news release.

“The effects of suicide are felt across all cultures, ages, races and genders,” said Stuart Scott, executive vice president and chief information officer at J.B. Hunt. “Now, more than ever, we want to lend support to new, inclusive and innovative ways to positively impact those who are at risk for suicide or struggling with their mental health.”

The money will go toward a variety of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention programs nationwide, including education and community resources “to create much-needed space for critical conversations around mental health and suicide prevention,” the release shows. J.B. Hunt previously collaborated with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on suicide prevention education within the company and area communities.

“We have an enormous opportunity to prevent suicide, but we cannot do it alone,” said Robert Gebbia, CEO of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “We are grateful for J.B. Hunt’s commitment to bring suicide prevention education into communities across the country, and optimistic about the positive impact our collaboration will make in reaching our goal to reduce the annual suicide rate 20% by the year 2025.”

On Sept. 26, J.B. Hunt participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in observance of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. According to the release, the company puts a priority on mental health as part of a culture that focuses on “empowering and supporting its employees.”

Shares of J.B. Hunt (NASDAQ: JBHT) closed Monday (Oct. 4) at $165.48, down $1.33, or 0.8%. In the past 52 weeks, the stock has ranged between $184.38 and $119.22.