AFSP Virginia
As a part of AFSP’s nationwide network of chapters, we bring together people from all backgrounds from across the Commonwealth of Virginia who want to prevent suicide in our communities.
About the AFSP Virginia Chapter
Welcome to the Virginia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! Our chapter serves all of Virginia except for Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Arlington Counties and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park. For these locations, visit afsp.org/ncac.
Click here to view a map of AFSP Virginia's service area.
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 nationwide network of chapters, we bring together people from all backgrounds from across the Commonwealth of Virginia 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.
View our Chapter Newsletter:
Virginia Chapter Happenings - January 2025
Virginia Chapter Happenings - December 2024
Virginia Chapter Happenings - November 2024
Our Virginia Chapter Leadership includes:
Executive Board Team:
Kevin Long (Bridgewater) - Chair
Shannon Sullivan, MPA, VaPEM (Ruther Glen) - Vice Chair
Dr. Cassie Glenn (Virginia Beach) - President
Matthew Austin (Moseley) - Treasurer
Robert Noriega, M.S. (Richmond) - Secretary & Bold Goal Champion
Board Members:
Anozaire Briddge Orius (Virginia Beach) - Board Member
Carl Trost (Staunton) - Board Member
Katherine Martinez (Virginia) - Board Member
Lorrie Eanes (Danville) - Board Member
Ronald North, Jr. (Waynesboro) - Board Member & LGBTQ Ambassador
Sean Higdon (Broadway) - Board Member
Shirley Ramsey (Glen Allen) - Board Member & Chapter Founder
Winter Brooks (Stephens City) - Board Member
Virginia Chapter Founder: Shirley Ramsey (Glen Allen)
Virginia Chapter Social Media Ambassador: Cassie Hairston (Forest)
Chapter contact
AFSP Virginia Chapter [email protected]
(540) 718-2221
Markita Madden Virginia Executive Director
[email protected]
(540) 718-2221
Emily Bacalis Virginia Special Events Manager
[email protected]
(202) 839-2174
AFSP does not provide direct services. Please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you or someone you know is in crisis.
988lifeline.org
Dial 988
Upcoming events and activities
Featured Programs
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.
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.
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.
L.E.T.S. Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities
L.E.T.S. Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for the Black Community is a presentation designed to reduce cultural stigma, foster conversations about mental health, and raise awareness of suicide prevention for individuals who identify as Black or African American.
Books and films for loss survivors
A listing of books from which we hope loss survivors will find helpful information and guidance as they navigate their healing journey.
Join the AFSP Virginia Chapter
Stories and updates
Volunteer with AFSP Virginia
Learn about and apply for volunteerism opportunities with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Virginia Chapter.
Walking #TogetherToFightSuicide
Join over 10,000 participants at 15 Community Out of the Darkness Walks in the Virginia Chapter.
AFSP Virginia Program Offerings
Thank you for your interest in learning more about the educational programs our chapter offers. Programs and presentations are available throughout our Chapter, which includes all of Virginia except for Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Arlington Counties & Alexandria. For these locations, visit afsp.org/ncac.
Who We Are - AFSP Virginia
Learn about our history and accomplishments, then meet our current Virginia Chapter Board members and Ambassadors.
AFSP Virginia Chapter Leadership Hub
AFSP Virginia Chapter Leadership Hub is a reference page for current AFSP Virginia Chapter leadership. Others, please visit afsp.org/virginia.
Suicide Prevention Advocates to Visit Richmond to Bring Awareness to Mental Health
By joining together with our personal stories and a common goal, we can drive the legislative reform we need to save lives.