Connections with AFSP Western Pennsylvania

Spread Hope in Western PA

All of our chapter operations are made possible with the dedication of volunteers across 25 counties in Western PA. Join us in our mission to #StopSuicide and Save Lives and Bring HOPE to those Affected by Suicide.  

We welcome you, whether it is just for the day, or for much more!  In order to volunteer as a representive of AFSP for vendor events, program education, loss and healing events, and other AFSP volunteer positions, we require you to complete the required trainings. We want to prepare and update you on the latest resources and programs from AFSP. We will provide training through online programming to accomodate your busy schedule. After trainings, we will provide you with links to register for our upcoming events and programs.

If you are simply interested in helping at one of our Western PA Out of the Darkness Walks, you do not need online training to volunteer as you will receive onsite volunteer training the day of the event. Thank you! 

Sign up to volunteer at a walk near you:

• Pittsburgh OOTD Walk Volunteer Sign-up
• Erie County OOTD Walk Volunteer Sign-up
• Washington County OOTD  Volunteer Sign-up
• Lawrence County OOTD Volunteer Sign-up

Contact our Area Director with any questions at [email protected]!

Host a Presentation

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers a variety of programs to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide! For a full list of our programs, check out this digital programs booklet.

Some of our featured programs include:

• Talk Saves Lives Our introductory suicide prevention program and its specialty modules is appropriate for a range of audiences aged 18+. 
• More Than Sad This teen-specific program is for adolescents aged 14-18, parents, and educators. We work with schools and youth-based programs to implement regular trainings. 
• It's Real: College Students and Mental Health This program is designed for high school seniors and college students to encourage help-seeking with an unscripted documentary and facilitated discussion. We collaborate with schools and universities to incorporate this program into their curriculum.

Sponsor an Event

Funds donated to AFSP go towards research, prevention education programs, loss and healing resources, and advocacy. Our Out of the Darkness Walks are our largest source of funding to be able to deliver these programs and resources to the community, in addition to giving those affected by suicide a chance to come together in support and healing. Sponsor packets can be easily customized for specific programs as well.

Please email [email protected] for more information about sponsoring our Chapter's Events. 

Request Resources

We offer a variety of resources and can customize packets specific to your needs! Our resource request is perfect for:

• Those personally seeking more information
• Businesses looking to offer resources to their employees
• Churches and other groups wanting to offer mental health and healing resources
• Events that reach the community (i.e. health fairs, state and county fairs, Pride events, concerts and festivals, farmers markets, veteran events, etc.)
• And more! Fill out the request form below for more information.

If you have lost someone to suicide, we are so sorry for your loss and would like to connect you with resources. Please request a packet of loss and healing information to help you in your grief journey. We encourage you to connect with trained volunteers who are also suicide loss survivors through our Healing Conversations Program as well.