Stories written by AFSP
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Denounces Harmful Medicaid Cuts That Undermine Suicide Prevention Efforts
Today, the United States Congress voted to strip millions of Americans of their health insurance amid an ongoing national mental health emergency at a time when rates of depression, anxiety, addiction and suicidal crises are high.
Protect Medicaid for People with Mental Health Conditions and Substance Use Disorders
We continue to be deeply concerned that cutting Medicaid funding or benefits, as well as imposing burdensome eligibility and work requirements, would disproportionately harm people with mental health (MH) conditions and substance use disorders (SUD).
Research Roundup July 2025: Recently Published Findings From AFSP-Funded Studies
The Research Roundup is a regular update of recently published findings in suicide prevention research.
Four Leading Advocacy Organizations Call on House to Not Pass Reconciliation Bill, Medicaid Cuts Would Be “Devastating” for Mental Health
Joint Statement by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Inseparable, Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness
AFSP Launches Spanish Website to Deepen Understanding, Resources, and Support to Spanish-Speaking Populations
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has launched a new Spanish-language website at es.afsp.org in anticipation of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month celebrated in July.
Partnering With the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to Encourage Youth Suicide Prevention
In 2023, AFSP partnered with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to develop a series of ECHO programs aimed at strengthening the capacity of health care professionals and community partners to integrate The Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention in clinical and community settings.
Research Roundup June 2025: Recently Published Findings From AFSP-Funded Studies
The Research Roundup is a regular update of recently published findings in suicide prevention research.
Victor R. Armstrong Sr., MSW, to Receive NASW National Social Worker of the Year Award
NASW Member and well-known suicide prevention advocate Victor R. Amstrong, Sr., MSW, has been selected as the 2025 National Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
AFSP Mobilizes for Suicide Prevention, Calls on Congress for Urgent Action to Address Veteran and Health Care Worker Suicide
Nearly 250 Volunteer Advocates from across the country will gather at the nation’s capital to learn about and advocate for lifesaving suicide prevention and mental health policies from June 22-25, 2025, for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Annual Advocacy Forum.
Night In Review: The 36th Annual Lifesavers Gala
On May 1, the night following our annual Research Award Dinner, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) held its 36th annual Lifesavers Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
From Early Career to Lifetime Achievement: Honoring Suicide Prevention Researchers at the 2025 Award Dinner
Recently, AFSP gathered at the Conrad Hotel in New York City for our annual Research Award Dinner. It was a night of celebration and reflection, in which we were able to honor our 2025 Research Award recipients.
Five Leading Advocacy Organizations Condemn Medicaid Cuts, Urge Senate to Safeguard Access to Mental Health Care and Substance Use Treatment
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to strip millions of Americans of their health insurance amid an ongoing national mental health emergency.
Letter From the Ceo Alliance for Mental Health to Congress
Our nation stands at a critical juncture and a potential tipping point. We have the opportunity to make strategic decisions and create a future-ready system that increases accessibility, affordability, and accountability.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG and the Utility Expo Partner with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to Promote Mental Health Awareness Across the Construction Industry
CONEXPO-CON/AGG and The Utility Expo, the premier trade shows for the construction and utility sectors, are proud to announce a new partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
AFSP Calls for More Walkers to its Overnight Walk for Suicide Prevention to Raise $3.5 Million Goal to #StopSuicide
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization, is hosting the 30th Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk, its flagship fundraising event, on June 21, 2025, in New York City.
Research Roundup May 2025: Recently Published Findings From AFSP-Funded Studies
The Research Roundup is a regular update of recently published findings in suicide prevention research.
AFSP Encourages Building Resilience This Mental Health Awareness Month
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is encouraging people to build mental health resilience in communities nationwide by going beyond the basics of self-care.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Hosts 36th Annual Lifesavers Gala
On May 1, 2025, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will hold its 36th annual Lifesaver’s Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Presents Prestigious Recognition to Pioneering and Innovative Researchers
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the largest private funder of suicide prevention research globally, will honor its 2025 Research Award recipients at its annual awards event on April 30 in New York City.
Trump Administration Proposes Defunding Suicide Lifeline for LGBTQ+ Youth Beginning October 2025
A leaked budget draft revealed the federal government has proposed to eliminate all funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services – a federal program that provides emergency crisis support to LGBTQ+ youth considering suicide – effective October 1, 2025.
Research Roundup April 2025: Recently Published Findings From AFSP-Funded Studies
The Research Roundup is a regular update of recently published findings in suicide prevention research.
AFSP Celebrates National Volunteer Week by Shining Light on Volunteers at the Forefront of Suicide Prevention Nationwide
This National Volunteer Week (April 20-26), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) celebrates the unwavering contributions of its national volunteer network, with 73 chapters across the country, including in Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Statement from Leading Mental Health and Substance Use Organizations on Drastic HHS Staffing Reductions
Our nation continues to face ongoing mental health, overdose, and suicide crises. As a country, we must ensure the functions of HHS and its agencies are able to continue their missions unimpeded to support the mental health of our communities.
Nation’s Mental Health Leaders Express Concern About Proposed Cuts to SAMHSA
The CEO Alliance for Mental Health is deeply concerned about potential cuts to SAMHSA that would interrupt services for people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders – cuts that have the potential to cause widespread harm to our communities.
Construction CEOs Set Agenda to Tackle Suicide in Construction Industry
Top executives from America's largest construction companies and unions hosted the inaugural CEO Advisory Council meeting focused on preventing suicides in the construction industry.
Research Roundup March 2025: Recently Published Findings From AFSP-Funded Studies
The Research Roundup is a regular update of recently published findings in suicide prevention research.
Join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in NYC for its 30th Overnight Walk
The Overnight fosters a much-needed community for all of those on a journey to find healing, solidarity and understanding. Walkers form lifelong friendships and discover new ways to continue to contribute to this important cause, including volunteering with their local AFSP Chapters.
Research Roundup February 2025: Recently Published Findings From AFSP-Funded Studies
The Research Roundup is a regular update of recently published findings in suicide prevention research.
Mental Health Resources for Black and African American Communities
In recognition of Black History Month this February, we encourage you to use and circulate the following list of programs and national resources focused on Black and African American mental health and suicide prevention.
AFSP Launches Toolkit for Firearms Instructors Aimed at Suicide Prevention
AFSP calls firearms instructors to join lifesaving efforts through firearms education and safety.
Voodoo Doughnut Announces “Blueberry Lemon Fritter” to Support American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Voodoo Doughnut, the trailblazing purveyor of unique and handcrafted doughnuts, is proud to continue its partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), one of the leading research and prevention organizations in the U.S.
AFSP’s Advocacy Action Days: Advocates Urge State Support for Suicide Prevention Legislation, Encourage Allies to Join
In 2025, AFSP’s Advocacy Action Day events include support for firearms suicide prevention, increased access to care and services, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and supporting underserved and disproportionately impacted communities, including youth and LGBTQ populations.
Research Roundup January 2025: Recently Published Findings From AFSP-Funded Studies
The Research Roundup is a regular update of recently published findings in suicide prevention research.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Announces New Members to the National Board of Directors and Scientific Council in 2025
Four new members are joining the National Board of Directors, bringing the total membership to 27. Three new members joined the Scientific Council bringing that total to 17.
Study Sheds Light on Social Drivers That Increase Risk of Suicide
Yale School of Medicine and VA Connecticut Healthcare System researchers compared social determinants of health in relation to the risk of suicide, a major global public health issue and one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Mental Health New Year's Resolutions From the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Here are some reflections from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s leadership team on their own goals for the coming year, and suggestions we might all draw inspiration from.
Research Roundup December 2024: Recently Published Findings From AFSP-Funded Studies
The Research Roundup is a regular update of recently published findings in suicide prevention research.
Promoting Safe Reporting on Suicide at the SXSW Conference: Five Recommendations for Responsible Journalism
Journalists wield significant influence and research strongly suggests that when journalists adhere to ethical reporting, like centering stories of hope and promoting mental health resources, more people are likely to seek help.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Awarded 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator awarded AFSP its highest honor: a Four-Star rating. It recognizes AFSP’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources for Indigenous Peoples
November is Native American Heritage Month. In recognition of this important month, we encourage you to use and share the following list of national mental health and suicide prevention resources focused on supporting Indigenous Peoples.
Don't Miss These Upcoming Virtual Events: Día de Esperanza (Day of Hope) and Survivor Day Live
We're just weeks away from Día de Esperanza (Day of Hope) and International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, also known as Survivor Day — taking place on Friday, November 22, and Saturday, November 23, respectively. Don't miss out on the special virtual events taking place for each event.
Research Roundup November 2024: Recently Published Findings From AFSP-Funded Studies
The Research Roundup is a regular update of recently published findings in suicide prevention research.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Launches Best Practices Toolkit for Workplaces Following a Death by Suicide
Establishing a set of protocols and having a plan in place before a suicide will help ensure a response that has the potential to save lives.
"These conversations are not easy, but are so necessary": The Impact of Suicide On Indigenous Peoples
In this recent video, AFSP Lifesaver Ambassador and Diné scholar charlie amáyá scott, Ph.D., calls attention to the impact of depression and suicide on Indigenous Peoples — and the power of having open, honest, and vulnerable conversations about mental health.
Top Construction CEOs Join Industry-Wide Initiative to Combat Suicide Among Workers in Construction
The establishment of the CEO Advisory Council signifies a strong commitment to bringing stakeholders together and maximizing the collective efforts of its members.
National Poll on Perceptions of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Reveals Most U.S. Adults Believe Suicide is Preventable
Nine out of 10 people in the U.S. believe that suicide can be prevented at least sometimes, showing an incredible shift in public understanding about suicide
Encuesta Nacional sobre Percepciones de la Salud Mental y la Prevención del Suicidio revela que la mayoría de los adultos estadounidenses creen que el suicidio se puede prevenir
Los grupos afectados de manera desproporcionada tienen más probabilidades de conocer a alguien que ha pensado en suicidarse, ha intentado suicidarse o se suicidó, y algunos tienen más probabilidades de comunicarse con el 988
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Announces $7.6 Million Investment in Research
uch of what is known about suicide comes from research funded by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
This Roctober, Learn More About AFSP-Funded Research
Research + October = Roctober! Interested in learning more about suicide prevention research? Check out this list of resources — including videos from top researchers — that share what we continue to learn about how to help save lives.
It's National Hispanic Heritage Month — Don't Miss These Upcoming Events
In observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, taking place September 15 to October 15, join us for our upcoming events tailored specifically to Latinx and Hispanic communities.
Research Roundup October 2024: Recently Published Findings From AFSP-Funded Studies
The Research Roundup is a regular update of recently published findings in suicide prevention research.
Record Number of Licensure Boards and Hospitals Take Action to Prevent Suicide for the Healthcare Workforce
Like everyone, health workers deserve the right to pursue mental health care without fear of losing their job.
Statement from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to Reporters Covering the News Regarding Jon Bon Jovi
News outlets are urged to use best practices for ethically reporting on suicide.
MITER Foundation announces partnership with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The two organizations will collaborate to educate MITER Brands team members on common risk factors and warn signs associated with suicide, and providing guidance on how to keep themselves and others safe.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Launches Creator-Led Lifesaver Ambassadors Program
The innovative Lifesaver Ambassadors program is designed to encourage storytelling and amplify positive mental health messaging that demonstrates how to Talk Away the Dark.
AUDACY’S ANNUAL “I’M LISTENING” BROADCAST RETURNS SEPTEMBER 25
Delivering Fresh Insights, Resources and Lifesaving Conversations
AFSP Applauds New Parity Rule Enforcing Parity in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Coverage
We commend the Biden administration for taking this important step to ensure greater equity and help prevent suicide.
Research Roundup September 2024: Recently Published Findings From AFSP-Funded Studies
The Research Roundup is a regular update of recently published findings in suicide prevention research.
Mental Health Resources for Latinx and Hispanic Communities
Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15. In recognition of this important month, we encourage you to use and circulate the following list of national mental health and suicide prevention resources focused on supporting Latinx and Hispanic communities.
Why We Walk: Stories About Out of the Darkness Community Walks
To learn more about why people continue to join our Community Walks year after year, we encourage you to read the following stories written firsthand by AFSP volunteers, chapter staff, and employees.
Join Growing Movement to Save Lives During National Suicide Prevention Month
This September, AFSP invites everyone to learn about suicide, how to prevent it and ways to support each other.
'We Can Survive' returns with Justin Timberlake, NKOTB, Tate McRae, and more
Saturday, September 28 at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ
What Underlying Processes Facilitate Suicide Loss Survivor Outcomes?
Dr. Yossi Lev-Belz set out to examine the role that difficulties with mentalization may play in suicide loss survivors experiencing complicated grief and suicidal ideation.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Urges Prioritizing Youth Mental Health Efforts Following CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey
The recent findings from the CDC underscore the continuing and critical need to prioritize youth mental health and suicide prevention efforts.
Suicide Prevention Resources for Back-to-School Season
Back-to-school prep often means school supply runs and physical health check-ups, but it should also mean checking in with youth about their mental health.
Updating the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Flagship Education Program, “Talk Saves Lives”
As of August 2024, the newly revamped Talk Saves Lives program is available in all chapters across the U.S., Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico!