
AFSP Louisiana
The work we do focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by: delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those who have lost someone to suicide.
About the AFSP Louisiana Chapter
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, reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide, and to those who have struggled with suicidal ideation or have lived experience.
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. Join us--ALL are welcome!
We're looking for passionate volunteers to help us across the state. Check out the ways you can make a difference in Louisiana. Reach out to [email protected] or 504-220-6100 to learn more!
- Out of the Darkness Walks
- Start or join a team at a walk near you
- Sponsor an event
- Help plan a community walk near you. Recruit sponsors and teams, coordinate logisticis, help with marketing, and more!
- Volunteer at a walk
- Prevention Education
- Become a program presenter
- Help us bring prevention education to schools, organziations, and communities across the state
- Distribute AFSP prevention education materials at health fairs, festivals, and community events
- Advocacy & Public Policy
- Join as a volunteer advocate to use your voice
- Help plan and/or attend the annual Behavioral Health Day at the Capitol in Baton Rouge
- Join our Public Policy committee to help grow advocay efforts in the state
- Help grow advocacy efforts by joining our Advocacy/Public Policy committee
- Loss & Healing
- Become a trained Healing Conversations volunteer and help newly breaved individuals
- Join our International Survivors of Suicide Loss Planning committee
- Special Events
- Participate in the Crescent Classic 10k and run to save lives.
- Join our chapter Fundraising Committee to help fuel our mission.
- Help secure grants and major donations.
- Start a DIY event in your community
Chapter contact:
Executive Director, Louisiana and Mississippi
[email protected]
504-220-6100Clara Carruth
Programs Manager
[email protected]
929-837-1670Carley Dolezal
Special Events Manager
[email protected]
409-920-3991
Upcoming events and activities
Featured Programs

Talk Saves Lives™
Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a community-based presentation that covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight suicide.

LGBTQ mental health and suicide prevention
AFSP is dedicated to preventing suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people. As a public health organization, AFSP believes that it is our individual and collective responsibility to support the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ people.

Supporting diverse communities
Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in July is recognized nationwide to bring understanding of the mental health needs and experiences within BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities, and others who face disproportionate inequities in care, support or mental health services in this country.
Join the AFSP Louisiana Chapter
Stories and updates

AFSP Louisiana hosted a Soul Shop for Black Churches on May 12 in Lake Charles
AFSP Louisiana to host Soul Shop for Black Churches

Advocates Urge Louisiana Lawmakers to Be The Voice for Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, and it is the eleventh leading cause of death in Louisiana.