AFSP Tennessee
We work to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide across the state of Tennessee. Join us and become a Lifesaver today.
About the AFSP Tennessee Chapter
The Tennessee Chapter serves all 95 counties in the Volunteer State. Our Board of Directors, led by Chair Paul Augustyniak, and our passionate volunteers are active in our communities bringing both education and awareness programs to schools and organizations, in addition to supporting those touched by the tragedy of suicide.
The grassroots work we do focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by:
- Delivering innovative prevention education programs – Program Calendar
- Advocating for public policies that are smart about mental health – Become an Advocate
- Raising funds for suicide research and programs – Research Connection
- Reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide – Loss and Healing
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 work continues to grow and we welcome anyone who would like to join our fight in turning the tide on suicide statistics. Please join our fight and our mission by volunteering and supporting the Tennessee Chapter today.
Mailing Address:
AFSP Tennessee
8161 Highway 100
#231
Nashville, TN 37221
AFSP Tennessee Board of Directors:
Board Chair
Paul Augustyniak, Community Volunteer
Treasurer
Mark Patterson, Patent Attorney
Secretary
Patrice Coleman, Nashville Department of Emergency Communications
Board Members
Lina Budesa, BrightQuest Treatment Centers
Dr. Kirsty Clark, Vanderbilt University
Dr. Nicholas Denton, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
Shannon Geames, State of Tennessee
Deidra Goins, Manchester City Schools
Chapter contact
Halli Drake Upcoming events and activities
Featured Programs
LGBTQ crisis and support resources
Suicide can be prevented. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health distress and/or are in crisis, support is available. Here is a list of LGBTQ crisis hotlines and support resources.
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
Each year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention supports hundreds of large and small events around the world, in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience.
Join the AFSP Tennessee Chapter
Stories and updates
Finding Community and Connection at the Long-Term Survivors of Suicide Loss Summit
"The journey through loss can often feel isolating, but finding a community of others who understand can make a significant difference."
Volunteer Advocates come together for Tennessee's State Capitol Day
On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 27 Volunteer Advocates from 19 different communities came together in Nashville for one mission: to fight for suicide prevention in Tennessee.
AFSP Tennessee celebrates success at 2024 Chapter Leadership Conference
AFSP Tennessee received national recognition at AFSP's annual Chapter Leadership Conference for the chapter's social media strategy, the work of the chapter's advocacy program, and the success of the Nashville Walk.
Be The Light brings hope and music to Nashville
On Tuesday, May 23rd, AFSP Tennessee supporters, advocates, and volunteers gathered at Riverside Revival for the second annual Be The Light benefit concert. The powerful event shined a light on mental health through the power of story and song, all while celebrating the life-saving work of the Tennessee Chapter.
2023 Campus Walks bring suicide prevention to students
In spring 2023, students from across Tennessee came together at our Out of the Darkness Campus Walks. We walked on five campuses and together helped to break the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide prevention.
Tennessee Advocates meet with Legislators at annual State Capitol Day
On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, AFSP Tennessee Advocates visited state lawmakers for our annual State Capitol Day. Advocates from across the state traveled to the capitol to champion policies that are smart about mental health.
AFSP Tennessee prepares for largest ever Campus Walk season
Spring 2023 is shaping up to be the largest ever Campus Walk season for AFSP. Thanks to the dedication of students, faculty, staff, and counselors on campuses across the state, we are planning to host five Campus Walks in April 2023.
AFSP Tennessee shines at Chapter Leadership Conference
AFSP Tennessee receives national recognition at the 2023 Chapter Leadership Conference for significat chapter growth and success of the Nashville Walk
Suicide Prevention Advocates visit Tennessee Lawmakers
AFSP Tennessee suicide prevention advocates gathered in Nashville to advocate for policies that are smart about mental health.
Meet your Tennessee Board of Directors
AFSP Tennessee is led by a passionate Board of Directors who implement our programs and services acrorss the state.
2021 Community Walk Recap
AFSP Tennessee hosted seven Out of the Darkness Walks across the state, raising over $200,000 for suicide prevention.
Kroger Community Rewards
Support AFSP Tennessee with Kroger Community Rewards - sign up today!
Finding Strength Through Connection As a Healing Conversations Coordinator
My wife Alice and I had known each other for 35 years and been married for 33 years. Losing her to suicide in 2016 was a terrible, traumatic experience. It was the people I met through AFSP who convinced me to become involved as a volunteer. I realized that we gain more strength through connection.
Finding Peace After a Suicide: One Walker's Healing Journey in Nature
An ode to the out of darkness community walks and the joy of finding peace and healing in nature after loss.
Tennessee First State to Train All Highway Patrol Officers in Suicide Prevention
Nation’s Largest Suicide Prevention Organization Sponsors Training for Full TN Highway Patrol Force.
Training Tennessee Highway Patrol Officers in Suicide Prevention
Tennessee is a rural state, and law enforcement is often the first contact someone in a suicidal crisis has for getting help.
Suicide Prevention Advocates to Visit Nashville, TN
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, including in Tennessee.
Suicide Prevention Advocates to Visit Nashville
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, and it is the ninth leading cause of death in Tennessee.