BTHO stands for “Beat The Hell Out Of” suicide, stigma, silence, and the struggles surrounding mental health. It is a movement focused on bringing awareness, starting conversations, and encouraging people to create Boot-Check moments and check-in on one another.  

BTHO Week is an annual awareness event hosted by the Jae Foundation that brings communities together to honor lives lost to suicide and promote mental health awareness. Participants complete BTHOs — a redefined version of the classic basketball drill once commonly called “suicides” — to create awareness and inspire meaningful conversations.

BTHO Week was created to shine a light on mental health struggles that often remain hidden. The event helps remove stigma, encourages connection, and reminds people they are not alone in their battles. BTHO week came about as a group of athletes at a Jae Foundation Retreat wanted to do something to bring our community together and create mental health awareness.  

Everyone can participate. BTHO Week is open to students, athletes, businesses, families, schools, organizations, and anyone who wants to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Cowboy boots, known as “Jae Boots,” represent connection, courage, and conversation. The Foundation was built on the belief that a simple conversation can change — and even save — lives. Every pair of boots symbolizes a commitment to checking in on others and being willing to ask for help when needed.

A Boot-Check Moment is a bold and intentional conversation about how someone is really doing. It’s about slowing down, listening, encouraging others, and creating a culture where mental health conversations are welcomed instead of avoided.

BTHO Week creates opportunities for real conversations around mental health, depression, anxiety, grief, and suicide prevention. The event also helps connect people with support, resources, and community.

Schools, sports teams, businesses, churches, and community organizations can participate by hosting BTHO events, creating teams, sharing awareness on social media, fundraising, or partnering directly with the Jae Foundation.

The goal is simple but powerful: save lives, create connection, and remind people they never have to struggle alone. Every conversation matters, every check-in matters, and every person matters.

BTHO week is the third week of September every year and is held at Jae’s Place, 1881 Poleline Rd, Twin Falls Idaho.  Businesses can also paint lines at their respective locations and log their BTHO’s.