AFSP North Florida
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 North Florida 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, 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.
Our Chapter serves Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Levy, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns and Union.
To donate directly to the North Florida Chapter, you can click the link above. To learn about additional giving opportunities, please scroll to the bottom of the page under Ways to Give.
Our Chapter is committed to providing as many prevention programs as we can to our community. We are pleased to offer Talk Saves Lives, Talk Saves Lives for Workplaces, It's Real: College Students and Mental Health, It's Real Teens and Mental Health for middle and high schools, L.E.T.S. Save Lives, Finding Hope: Guidance for Supporting Those at Risk, More Than Sad for parents and educators virtually and free of charge. We routinely do programs for businesses of all sizes, conferences, PTAs, school, community organizations, faith groups, and more!
Volunteering with the North Florida Chapter
We are always looking for people who are passionate about suicide prevention to join our wonderful team of volunteers. We are flexible with the roles and the time you can give to the cause. Our volunteers are the heart of the organization, and make all that we do possible. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please complete our Volunteer Application.
Upcoming Educational Programs
Learn about upcoming educational program presentations at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention North Florida Chapter, including virtually delivered programs by visiting our "EVENTS" tab at the top of this page!
Request an Educational Program Presentation or Resource Table
The AFSP North Florida Chapter offers many community programs for suicide prevention to individuals, organizations, and employers across North Florida. If you or the group you represent is interested in having an AFSP Representative at your event with educational resource materials or hosting a presentation, educational program, or professional training, please complete our Program Request Form.
Request Educational Materials
Hosting an awareness event or fundraising for AFSP within your school or local community? Please visit www.afsp.org/store to order materials and have educational resources sent directly to you!
For Urgent Assistance
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 9-8-8 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Chapter contact
Wendy Thompson Area Director, North Florida and Panhandle
[email protected]
352-932-1060
Jessica Toy Programs Manager, Florida
[email protected]
Upcoming events and activities
Featured Programs
More Than Sad
More Than Sad has taught over a million students and educators how to be smarter about mental health.
It’s Real
It’s Real is a documentary featuring the stories of six college students from across the country.
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 help save lives.
Join the AFSP North Florida Chapter
Stories and updates
North Florida Board of Directors
North Florida Board of Directors
Julie’s Spirit Is With Me in My Advocacy
Rick Townsend is a psychologist and professor who has long been active in mental health advocacy. Julia, his daughter, experienced a severe episode of depression that resulted in her suicide. Six years later, in addition to bringing more Community Walks to his area, Rick has become a Volunteer Advocate for AFSP.
You Can Bring Hope to So Many Just by Listening
Candi Morris found great support through her local AFSP chapter following the death of her father in 2015. She became involved as a volunteer beginning in 2019, and quickly found herself leading the effort to organize the Gainesville Community Walk.
Suicide Prevention Advocates Raise Their Voice for Mental Health in Tallahassee
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the eighth leading cause of death in Florida.