AFSP Capital Region New York
The Capital Region NY Chapter of AFSP was formally chartered in May 2006 and serves 15 counties in northeastern New York State: Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, St. Lawrence, Warren, Washington.
About the AFSP Capital Region New York Chapter
2025 International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience. This year, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Our chapter is proud to offer ten in-person and virtual options to participate in this impactful event. Please scroll to the end of this page for links to each event for detail and registration.
In 1999, Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide, introduced a resolution to the United States Senate, leading to the creation of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Also known as Survivor Day, the day was designated by the United States Congress as a day on which those affected by suicide can join together for healing and support. It was determined that Survivor Day would always fall on the Saturday before American Thanksgiving, as the holidays are often a difficult time for suicide loss survivors. Our Through A Jewish Lens program will take place on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
About Us
The grassroots work we do focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by: delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide.
As a part of AFSP’s growing nationwide network of chapters, we bring together people from all backgrounds who want to prevent suicide in our communities. Families and friends who have lost someone to suicide, vulnerable individuals, mental health professionals, clergy, educators, students, community/business leaders, and many others energize our chapter.
The Capital Region Chapter of AFSP was formally chartered in May 2006 and serves 15 counties in Northeastern New York State. Since its inception, the chapter engages in a careful strategic planning process managed by a local Board of Directors who are committed to addressing the public health issue of suicide. Collectively, we embrace our responsibility to educate others about suicide prevention. We bring together people from all backgrounds who want to prevent suicide in our communities. Families and friends who have lost someone to suicide, vulnerable individuals, mental health professionals, clergy, educators, students, community/business leaders, and many others energize our chapter.
Chapter contact
Missy Stolfi, M.Ed. (she/her) Area Director, Capital Region New York
[email protected]
(518) 791-1544
Upcoming events and activities
Featured Programs
Healing Conversations:
Personal Support for Survivors of Suicide Loss
Healing Conversations gives survivors of suicide loss the opportunity to speak with volunteers, who are themselves loss survivors.
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day documentaries
Each year a documentary about suicide loss is included as part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Previous documentaries can be found here.
Practical information for immediately after a loss
The immediate aftermath of a loved one’s suicide is a challenging, confusing, and painful time. The information below will help get you through the first few days with a better understanding of the things you’re likely to face.
Join the AFSP Capital Region New York Chapter
Stories and updates
Within Us: Using Art to Bring People Together for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
We are never alone in the fight to support mental wellbeing, prevent suicide, and support those affected by suicide. It’s my honor to use art to establish an open and safe space, share stories, and normalize open dialogue around this often taboo topic in the community.
Suicide Prevention Advocates Raise Their Voices for Expanded Mental Health Services
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the 12th leading cause of death in New York.