Lifesaver News

As hard as my brother’s story is for me to tell, my family and I believe that by doing so, we are honoring him.

At its best, faith is about caring for the hurting and broken and helping people heal and restore themselves.

We applaud the American Academy of Pediatrics for dedicating its resources to publishing a brave and bold report on such a critical topic.

Suicide is a serious topic. It is my firm belief that it doesn’t have to be a depressing topic.

Change might not come as fast as we’d like it to but what is fast becoming clear is that it will happen.

At some point I came to the realization that tomorrow was never going to be yesterday, no matter how much I might wish it to be.

We don’t have to memorialize Brett only on Fathers’ Day or any other special occasion but rather we can honor him throughout our days

The happy memories of Tyler and the wonderful person he was, gives me strength every day.

My dad never met a stranger, he was one of those guys that would become best friends with the random person beside him on an airplane.

We’re pleased to honor Congressman Katko for his leadership in Congress in making mental health a priority

We thank Ms. Evans for her collaboration, which has led to an important dialogue on how to advance suicide prevention

We are proud to present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Senator Reid in recognition of his distinguished career advocating for mental health

Through Senator Murray’s work, the Senate has been able to pass important suicide prevention legislation

Through Senator Lamar’s leadership, the Senate has been able to pass important suicide prevention legislation

Melody is helping to change the conversation about suicide.

Even if you are not with us in Washington D.C., you can still support our efforts!

For 20 plus years I wondered why someone didn’t come forward and do something about this… and then I realized, I am someone. So I did it.

With leaders across our nation who are willing to sponsor legislation that enhances mental health and suicide prevention like Representative Cassidy, we will be much closer to reaching our AFSP goal of reducing the suicide rate 20 percent by the year 2025.

Thank you to everyone who helped us raise $2.6 Million at the NYC Overnight Walk!

We will bring light to those in darkness. But just in case you can’t look on the brightside? I will sit in the dark with you.

AFSP will be giving an award to Representative Mike Schlossberg of PA’s 132nd district for his efforts in helping to prevent suicide.

AFSP will be giving an award to Representative Edie McClafferty of Montana for her efforts in helping to prevent suicide.

Call for action follows Senate Summit on Mental Health Reform

Thank you to all of our Walkers, Crew, volunteers, and donors for making this such an extraordinary event.

In this third and final study, Dr. Sen examined whether using web-based cognitive behavior therapy helped prevent depression and SI during the first year of internship.

I have turned my grief into something positive by joining AFSP in trying to bring about better understanding of all mental health issues

More young people die by suicide than from cancer, homicide, heart disease, pneumonia, or diabetes.

On May 21 Kevin Briggs and Kevin Berthia will reunite once again at AFSP’s Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk in San Francisco.

Allies in Action Award Presentation, June 14 – Open to the Press

In this week’s Research Connection, we’ll take a look at the second of three studies, in which Dr. Srijan Sen attempts to find out if a reduction in the number of hours interns were allowed to work, as part of a 2011 duty hour reform, changed the rate of depression and SI.

Even though your child is not with you, they would want you to have a Mothers’ Day like the one you would have had if they were here

Once the loss sunk in and integrated itself into my life, remembrance with smiles and heartfelt joy crept back in

What to Get Your Emotionally Challenging Mom: Take Our Impossible-to-Get-Right Interactive Quiz!”

As I approach my tenth Mothers' Day without my child it’s still painful…but not impossible.

Mother’s Day is a much more revered and cherished day for me now than it had ever been in the past.

Mothers’ Day cards are now being given to me, and yet my own mom always lingers around with me

In 2008 and 2009, Dr. Sen invited almost 1,400 medical interns who were starting internships at 13 hospitals to participate in the study.

Thank you to our wonderful host, our dinner chair and our four incredible honorees.

Please join us in spreading the message that suicide is preventable and it starts with being smart about our mental health.

Many of my closest colleagues have achieved this award and I feel that this a crowning moment in my career.

This law is especially important in protecting our nation’s most important resource— our children.

Gus was brilliant, talented and athletic. I remain very proud of him and am not ashamed of the way that he died.

I believe that by educating all Americans on the Five Signs of emotional suffering, we can change the culture of mental health so that all in need receive the care and support they deserve.

Press registration is opened for the Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk in NYC. Registration is required for press covering the event.

Press registration is opened for the Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk in San Francisco. Registration is required for press covering the event.

We applaud the CDC for taking a closer look at the data related to suicide, as this is a critically important health care issue that deserves our full attention.

Suicide is the leading cause of injury related deaths for Arkansans between the ages of 20 and 64

HB 7029 contains a very important section pertaining to suicide prevention

For survivors of suicide loss like Amy, Elliot and Janice, the Overnight Walks are a way to feel supported by a community of people who have gone through a similar experience. For those with a connection to the cause, the Overnight Walks provide a sense of camaraderie and a welcoming environment.

There are no words to express our loss, but together we move forward, one step at a time.

"Through our advocacy, we hope to raise awareness of the tragic consequences of not devoting attention and resources to diagnosing and treating mental health conditions," said Stephen Moore, co-chair of the AFSP Illinois Chapter.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 15-34 in Ohio

Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for people aged 55-64 in Pennsylvania.

The only reason why suicide is a hard word, is because we make it hard. We created the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 10-34 in Massachusetts

The Overnight Walk is my way to embrace and recover from my fear. I believe that it is important to talk loudly and often about mental health.

For those with a connection to the cause, the Overnight Walks provide a sense of camaraderie and a welcoming environment.

I keep a little folder in Outlook called “Why I Love My Job,” and it’s filled with walker emails and exchanges that are really meaningful to me.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 25-34 in Alabama

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 25-34 in South Carolina

The grief of losing someone to suicide is incredibly difficult, and the way survivors experience grief can change over time.

Beyond that initial period of intense grief -- which of course varies for everyone -- the loss becomes part of the fabric of one’s life.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 25-34 in New Jersey

By adopting SB877, the legislature will send a message that suicide prevention is and should be a priority for California.

A conversation between AFSP's Dr. Christine Moutier and Sue Klebold.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24 in Mississippi, and the fourth leading cause of death for adults aged 25-34.

AFSP invites you to photograph our 28th Annual Lifesavers Gala in New York City.

I am so grateful to be honoring my dad everyday through my work.

Sharing our stories is the easiest way for us to spread awareness. Tell your story often, and tell it proudly.

AFSP is pleased to announce this year’s distinguished group of honorees who will be recognized at the Foundation’s 28th Annual Lifesavers Gala on May 3 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

I realize how vital it is that we empower the members of our communities to feel comfortable asking for help with mental health issues

On average, one person dies by suicide every seven hours in Idaho.

Over twice as many people in Missouri die by suicide than by homicide.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 in Nebraska, and the second leading cause of death for people aged 15-34.

Working so closely with our walkers, we know that they put so much effort and heart into their Overnight preparation. So, being able to thank and congratulate them in person for all of their hard work and effort is an incredible feeling.
Creating a culture that's smart about mental health.

Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in Vermont.

On average, one person dies from suicide every nine hours in the state of Indiana.

AFSP is hosting a briefing to give guidance on how to report on suicide in a way that will not lead to contagion.

I always start out with “I’m a walker coach” and then I laugh because most people have no idea what that means.

One person dies by suicide every 12 hours in Kentucky. On Wednesday, February 3, 2016, volunteers from AFSP will join the Kentucky Suicide Prevention Consortium for their “Suicide Prevention Day on the Hill”

On Wednesday, February 3, 2016, volunteers from AFSP the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will arrive at the state capitol to meet with lawmakers to encourage them to make suicide prevention a priority

Anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and other occasions after a suicide loss can bring up painful memories, but they also can provide an opportunity to celebrate your loved one.

On Tuesday, January 26, 2016, advocates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will arrive at the state capitol to meet with lawmakers to encourage them to make suicide prevention a priority.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention had much to celebrate at the 11th Annual Chapter Leadership Conference in Little Rock this past weekend.

On average, every three hours, someone dies by suicide in Florida.

On average, one person dies by suicide every seven hours in Georgia.

For the second year, the National Council for Behavioral Health and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention have partnered to give more people these critical skills through Mental Health First Aid training.

Statement from the AFSP’s CEO Robert Gebbia on the Funding Increase of the National Violent Death Reporting System.

Statement from AFSP on Election of CEO to the National Health Council’s Board of Directors.

Join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for Its Survivor Day, Saturday, November 21st in Your Local Community

Today the nation’s largest suicide prevention organization, AFSP, announces an expansion of its Chapters to all 50 states.

Each day we lose more than 22 veterans to suicide in the United States, that’s nearly one every hour. 20% of the nation’s suicide deaths are veterans. AFSP is dedicated to working to stop this trend.

Using this theory, Dr. Liu proposed that the use of injected substances, as opposed to other methods of using the same drugs, like smoking or inhaling, may be a marker for greater suicide risk.

Project 2025 will provide new insights into which strategies can most effectively fight suicide and save lives.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, we reaffirm our belief that mental health is an essential part of overall health, and together, we renew our commitment to supporting and empowering all Americans to seek the care they need.

Dr. Jennifer Hughes and her mentor Dr. Joan Asarnow developed the SAFETY Program, a novel social-ecological treatment that includes cognitive behavioral therapy.

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE SURVEY: Research Method and Note about the Report

Nearly 90 percent of Americans value mental health and physical health equally, yet about one-third find mental health care inaccessible.

The week of September 6th is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Week

The Survivor Outreach Program is a national network of volunteers who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide and who receive training to visit others who have experienced a similar loss.

On June 27, over two thousand people gathered at Boston City Hall for the second 2015 Overnight Walk.

Every year suicide claims more lives than war, murder, and natural disasters combined, and yet suicide prevention doesn't get anywhere near the funding given to other leading causes of death.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States will continue to raise public awareness for the cause coinciding with an upcoming television episode of SING IT ON, a docu-series airing on Pop.

With contributions like State Representative Orwall’s, we are much closer to achieving our goal of reducing the suicide rate 20 percent by the year 2025

The Annual Advocacy Forum is AFSP’s single largest effort to educate federal officials about suicide and suicide prevention.

About a year ago on a spring afternoon while I was absorbed in my reading we received a telephone call.

I will always remember our hunting trips to Kansas for pheasant and riding around in the back of a pickup truck with some locals to get to the best spots.

For nearly two years, The Kennedy Forum has been advancing an ambitious agenda to transform the way we treat mental health and addiction.

This Focus Grant, of up to $500,000 a year, for up to three years, will be awarded to a researcher, or group of researchers, to study potential pathways and interventions that can significantly reduce the national suicide rate if ultimately implemented on a large scale

When training medical students to assess for suicide risk and bipolar disorder, will they learn equally well from interacting with a virtual patient compared with watching a video interview?

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is proud to announce that more than 2000 people are now registered for the Out of the Darkness Overnight walk in Greater Boston.

On Tuesday, May 12, 2015 members of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention attended a bill signing for Lauryn’s Law – Maryland House Bill 947.

As Mothers' Day approaches I find myself reflecting back over the past 14 years and the journey I have been on.

After losing my girl, Mother’s Day is thoughtful. I reflect on my failures as a mother, and there are plenty. I forgive myself for each and every one.

My mother, Lynn, had struggled with mental illness for as long as I could remember.

Held at Jazz at Lincoln Center, this black tie event included an awards ceremony with four major awards given.

Representative Grace Napolitano to host in Cannon House Office, Rm 122

On April 25th, over a thousand people gathered at Dallas City Hall for the first of the 2015 Overnight Walks.

What factors contribute to suicidal thinking in men serving time in prison?

On Tuesday, April 14, 2015, volunteers from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will arrive at the state capitol to meet with lawmakers to encourage them to pass Senate Bills 1793 and 1941.

What messages are helpful in an online intervention for suicidal people?

The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host the 2nd Annual Research to Practice Conference.

On Tuesday, March 24, 2015, volunteers from AFSP, will arrive at the state capitol to have meetings with lawmakers to encourage them to pass Ohio House Bill 28.

In response to the report announced today by the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention “U.S. National Suicide Prevention Research Efforts: 2008-2013 Portfolio Analyses,” CEO Robert Gebbia of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, released this statement.

On Thursday, March 19, 2015, volunteers from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will visit with lawmakers in Tallahassee during the annual Suicide Prevention Day at the Capitol.

On Thursday, March 19, 2015, volunteers from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will visit with lawmakers in Columbia during Mental Health Advocacy Day.

On Thursday, March 19, 2015, volunteers from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will visit the state Capitol in Trenton during the annual AFSP-New Jersey State Capitol Day.

The Overnight will be held in Dallas, and support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

All suicide researchers and those interested in learning about the most cutting edge evidence are invited to attend and take advantage of this excellent opportunity to network and interact.

AFSP is pleased to announce this year’s host and the distinguished group of honorees who will be recognized at the Foundation’s 27th Annual Lifesavers Gala on May 6 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

On Thursday, March 12, 2015, over 30 volunteers from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will visit with lawmakers in Sacramento during the third annual AFSP-California State Capitol Day.

National Campaign Launches at Summit Featuring Government, Business and Non-Profit Leaders

At this year’s 2015 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Council Conference, AFSP’s Out of the Darkness Community Walks earned a coveted spot in the TOP 30 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Events in America.

On Thursday, February 19, 2015, volunteers from AFSP will visit the state capital to have meetings with lawmakers to encourage them to prioritize suicide prevention and programs that support reducing suicide in the state.

On Thursday, February 19, 2015, volunteers from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will join the Mental Illness Awareness Coalition and fellow Texas Coalition for Healthy Minds members to visit with lawmakers and urge them to expand the mental health and substance use disorder workforce in Texas.

The Clay Hunt SAV Act will increase access to mental health care and capacity at VA to meet demand.

On average, one person dies by suicide every 8.5 hours in Tennessee.

On Tuesday, February 10, 2015, field advocates from the AFSP, will visit the state capital to have meetings with lawmakers to encourage them to prioritize suicide prevention and programs that support reducing suicide in the state.

Can tobacco-related policies have an impact on suicide rates?

Mental Health First Aid launched a partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to roll out more Mental Health First Aid courses.

Any service member struggling with mental health issues should receive the help they need before it’s too late; including the Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act of 2014 in the 2015 National Defense Authorization will ensure that.

The DOD has a duty to follow the recommendations in the DODSER and give the military valuable intelligence in the war on suicide – data that will help them put a stop to this tragic and preventable loss of life.

Do genes related to stress contribute to suicide attempts, and are some people more prone to stress-related suicidal behavior?

On Monday, October 20, John Madigan, AFSP’s Vice President of Public Policy, and Trevor Summerfield, AFSP’s Manager of Federal Policy, attended a White House “Champions of Change” event on the Affordable Care Act.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness
Annual Walk Cities Selected for 2015

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Statement on Latest CDC Report

On Monday, September 22, John Madigan, AFSP’s Vice President of Public Policy, and Trevor Summerfield, AFSP’s Manager of Federal Policy, attended the White House and Suicide Prevention Briefing.

On Thursday, September 18th, 2014, the US House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing led by Rep. Timothy Murphy on the topic of “Suicide Prevention and Treatment: Helping Loved Ones in Mental Health Crisis.”

On Thursday, September 18, the Congressional Spouses for Suicide Prevention and Education held a congressional briefing on “Mental Health First Aid for your Family and Community” that featured Food Network star Melissa d’Arabian.

The Maui Comedy Festival announced that it has partnered with AFSP as it's official national charitable recipient.

Joan Rivers, you will be remembered for your brilliance as a comedian, but we at AFSP want to thank you for inspiring so many survivors of suicide loss to speak out and find their way forward after the death of a loved one.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in partnership with movie/cause site eflixir.com and charity shopping site We-Care.com, is memorializing Robin Williams and promoting mental health awareness with a screening of Dead Poets Society during National Suicide Prevention Week, on Wednesday, September 10.

We need to know more about the factors that contribute to this suicide risk.

Unfortunately, too much discussion around Robin Williams’s death by suicide has brought up questions like, Is suicide a selfish or cowardly act? Is it a choice?

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers our condolences to Robin Williams’ family, his friends, and everyone touched by Robin’s generous spirit. Based on reports, we understand that Robin took his life by suicide.

Minority populations need to be more involved with mental health because it is a silent killer in our communities.

My name is Dionne Monsanto and I gave birth to a brilliant beautiful girl who took her life at 15 years old.

The 2014 Out of the Darkness Overnight Walks are now finished.

My son, Jeff, was born on March 6, 1979 and I knew he was special from the day he was born.

A decade ago the federal government warned that antidepressants might raise the risk of suicide in youth and young adults. A substantial drop in the use of antidepressants followed, and instead of declining as hoped, suicide attempts have increased among people ages 10 to 29

When family members struggle emotionally the dynamic at home is disrupted. AFSP Distinguished Investigator Guy Diamond, Ph.D., has developed Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT) for suicidal teens to help families reconnect and better manage communication and problem solving.

Advocates and volunteers will meet with members of Congress and their staff to share their personal stories, educate them about suicide prevention and mental health, and push for policies and legislation that can prevent suicide.

On June 13, advocates from 48 states and the District of Columbia visited all 100 Senate offices and all 435 House offices as part of AFSP’s fourth annual Advocacy Forum.

On February 8-9, more than 200 advocates from 34 states and the District of Columbia participated in AFSP's 2012 Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C.

On March 16-18, approximately 100 advocates from 35 states and the District of Columbia participated in AFSP's 2011 Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C.






