AFSP Idaho
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 Idaho Chapter
The AFSP Idaho chapter serves the entire great state of Idaho. Our work is led by our Board of Directors and our passionate volunteers all of whom actively share AFSP education and awareness programs to schools, organizations, companies, and community groups across the state, in addition to supporting Idahoans who have been 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 in Idaho 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 Idaho Chapter today.
Meet the individuals leading the Idaho Chapter; your AFSP Idaho Board of Directors!
Name: Jenny Parkhurst
Board Position: Chair
Email: [email protected]
Fun fact about Jenny: I have lived in 23 different cities. While this doesn’t count returning to live in a few of them later on in life, it does include 7 different foreign countries.
Name: Ash Bell
Position: Secretary
Email: [email protected]
Fun fact about Ash: I've been involved with AFSP since 2019 and started out by attending the Out of the Darkness Community Walks.
Name: Devin Jordan
Position: Treasurer and Technical Officer
Email: [email protected]
Fun fact about Devin: I like creating high-end, restaurant-quality dishes for friends and family. I obsess over perfecting certain dishes, so much so I spent the better part of 2018 perfecting Joel Robuchon's signature mashed potato dish.
Name: Shelly Brannen
Position: Member-At-Large
Email: [email protected]
Fun fact about Shelly: I rescued an Aussie/Blue Heeler double blue merle who is deaf and trained her with sign language.
Name: Andrew Collins
Position: Member-At-Large
Email: [email protected]
Fun fact about Andrew: I love adventure—be it a road trip, visiting new places or doing anything outside. Additionally, I enjoy serving others such as my family, friends, or people within the community.
Name: Christy Dirren
Position: Member-At-Large
Email: [email protected]
Fun fact about Christy: Pie is my favorite breakfast.
Name: Joe Low
Position: Member-At-Large
Email: [email protected]
Fun fact about Joe: When I was in 8th grade I laid the wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington National cemetery.
Name: Dr. Heidi Senethavilay
Position: Member-At-Large
Email: [email protected]
Fun fact about Heidi: I thoroughly enjoy live events such as concerts, theater, and amusement parks - particularly ones with awesome roller coasters!
The AFSP Idaho chapter was founded in 2015 - click here to meet our Founding Members, and learn how they're still involved with AFSP Idaho today!
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR 2023-2024 TREASURE VALLEY EVENT SPONSORS!
OFFICIAL TREASURE VALLEY EVENT MEDIA PARTNER
Upcoming AFSP Idaho programs in the community*
Programs listed chronologically - to learn about our upcoming special events click here
REGULAR VIRTUAL AFSP IDAHO VOLUNTEER 101S!
From Aug-Dec join us the 1st Wednesday of the month, in the morning or evening (8am or 8pm) for VIRTUAL AFSP Idaho Volunteer 101 Orientations; hosted by Board Member, Christy Dirren! Scroll through our events chronologically to choose the 101 you'd like to attend, and register at the link shared there!
Volunteer 101 Orientation - August MORNING
- WHEN: Wednesday, August 7, 8am-9am
- WHERE: Virtual
- REGISTER: Here
Volunteer 101 Orientation - August EVENING
- WHEN: Wednesday, August 7, 8pm-9pm
- WHERE: Virtual
- REGISTER: Here
Volunteer 101 Orientation - September MORNING
- WHEN: Wednesday, September 4, 8am-9am
- WHERE: Virtual
- REGISTER: Here
Talk Saves Lives
- WHEN: Wednesday, September 4, 10am-11am
- FOR/WHERE: National Women in Roofing - Idaho Chapter - Meridian
Volunteer 101 Orientation - September EVENING
- WHEN: Wednesday, September 4, 8pm-9pm
- WHERE: Virtual
- REGISTER: Here
Volunteer 101 Orientation - October MORNING
- WHEN: Wednesday, October 2, 8am-9am
- WHERE: Virtual
- REGISTER: Here
Volunteer 101 Orientation - October EVENING
- WHEN: Wednesday, October 2, 8pm-9pm
- WHERE: Virtual
- REGISTER: Here
Volunteer 101 Orientation - November MORNING
- WHEN: Wednesday, November 6, 8am-9am
- WHERE: Virtual
- REGISTER: Here
Volunteer 101 Orientation - November EVENING
- WHEN: Wednesday, November 6, 8pm-9pm
- WHERE: Virtual
- REGISTER: Here
Volunteer 101 Orientation - December MORNING
- WHEN: Wednesday, December 4, 8am-9am
- WHERE: Virtual
- REGISTER: Here
Volunteer 101 Orientation - December EVENING
- WHEN: Wednesday, December 4, 8pm-9pm
- WHERE: Virtual
- REGISTER: Here
*Offerings are regularly updated so check back frequently to see what's new in your community
Recent Past Fiscal Year 2024 (July, 2023- June, 2024) AFSP Idaho programs in the community
Volunteer 101 Orientation - May
- WHEN: Thursday, May 16, 7:30am-8:30am
- WHERE: Virtual
- REGISTER: Here
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University Mathematics & Statistics
- WHEN: Wednesday, April 24, 3:30pm
- WHERE: Hybrid; Idaho State University & Virtual
Volunteer 101 Orientation - April
- WHEN: Tuesday, April 9, 3:30pm-4:30pm
- WHERE: Virtual
- REGISTER: Here
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho Falls Government
- WHEN: Thursday, April 4, 2pm-3pm
- WHERE: Idaho Falls
Talk Saves Lives for Seniors
- WHEN: Thursday, April 4, 10am-12pm
- WHERE: Meridian, ID - Norco Building, 2nd floor large conference room, 1303 S Silverstone Way
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho Falls Government
- WHEN: Wednesday, April 3, 9am-10an
- WHERE: Idaho Falls
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University College of Pharmacy
- WHEN: Friday, March 29, 1pm
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Volunteer 101 Orientation - March
- WHEN: Thursday, March 28, 2024, 9:30am-10:30am
- WHERE: Virtual
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University Facilities
- WHEN: Friday, March 15, 1pm
- WHERE: Zoom
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University Roar 1101
- WHEN: Thursday, March 14, 9:30am
- WHERE: Idaho State University
AFSP Idaho is Tabling at the Idaho State University College/Career Expo!
- Friday, March 8, 9am-12pm
- WHERE: Pond Studen Union - Wood/Little Wood Rooms at Idaho State University - Pocatello, ID
Talk Saves Lives - HOSA Future Health Professionals Conference
- Thursday, March 7, 3pm-4pm
- WHERE: Idaho State University - Pocatello, ID
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University - Rehabilitation and Communication Science
- WHEN: Tuesday, February 27, 6pm
- WHERE: Virtual
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University Audiology Department
- WHEN: Friday, February 23, 10am
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University American Society of Microbiology
- WHEN: Friday, February 23, 12pm
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University Continuing Education
- WHEN: Thursday, February 22, 3pm
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Volunteer 101 Orientation - February
- WHEN: Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 7pm-8pm
- WHERE: Virtual
- REGISTER: Here
Talk Saves Lives Firearms Safety - Moms Demand Action
- WHEN: Tuesday, February 20
- WHERE: Idaho State Capitol Building - Boise
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University Accounting and Grilled Cheese Clubs
- WHEN: Wednesday, February 14, 12pm
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University Cosmetology Students
- WHEN: Monday, February 12
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University Energy Systems Technology & Education Center (ESTEC) Department
- WHEN: Thursday, February 1
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University Athletic Training Program
- WHEN: Wednesday, January 31, 8am-9am
- WHERE: Idaho State University
It's Real: Teens and Mental Health - Pocatello Hockey Team
- WHEN: Monday, January 29, 6:30pm
- WHERE: Virtual
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University
- WHEN: Thursday, January 25
- WHERE: Idaho State University
It's Real: Teens and Mental Health - Pocatello Hockey Team
- WHEN: Monday, January 22, 6:30pm
- WHERE: Virtual
Talk Saves Lives Presenter Training
- WHEN: Friday, January 19, 9am-12pm
- WHERE: Virtual
- Interested in becoming a Talk Saves Lives Presenter? Please complete an AFSP Idaho Volunteer interest form here, today!
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University Biology Department
- WHEN: Thursday, January 18
- WHERE: Idaho State University
It's Real: Teens and Mental Health - Pocatello Hockey Team
- WHEN: Wednesday, January 10, 6:30pm
- WHERE: Virtual
Talk Saves Lives: Corrections - Ada County Sheriff's Department
- WHEN: Tuesday, January 9, 9:30am
- WHERE: Ada County Sheriff's Offices
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University Dance Team
- WHEN: Monday, January 8
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Volunteer 101 Orientation - December
- WHEN: Thursday, December 14, 8am-9am
- WHERE: Virtual
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University Counseling and Mental Health Center
- WHEN: Monday, December 4
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Talk Saves Lives & Tabling at Boise Bash
- WHEN: Saturday, December 2, 5pm-7pm
- WHERE: Boise , ID
Talk Saves Lives - Pre-Health Student Association at Idaho State University
- WHEN: Friday, December 1, 10am
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State Univeristy National Student Speech Language Hearing Association
- WHEN: Friday, December 1
- WHERE: Idaho State University - Meridian
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University Student Veteran's Association
- WHEN: Monday, November 27
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University
- WHEN: Monday, November 14
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Tabling at the Boise Gun Show
- WHEN: Saturday, November 11, 9am-6pm and Sunday, November 12, 9am-3pm
- WHERE: Ford Idaho Center - Nampa, ID
Talk Saves Lives - GeoClub at Idaho State University
- WHEN: Friday, November 10, 11:30am
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Volunteer 101 Orientation - November
- WHEN: Thursday, November 9, 3pm-4pm
- WHERE: Virtual
- REGISTER: Here
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University
- WHEN: Tuesday, November 7, 8:30am
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Talk Saves Lives - Idaho State University
- WHEN: Tuesday, November 7, 10am
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Talk Saves Lives - Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) at Idaho State University
- WHEN: Monday, November 6, 3:30pm
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Talk Saves Lives - English Graduate Student Association at Idaho State University
- WHEN: Friday, November 3, 4:30pm
- WHERE: Idaho State University
Volunteer 101 Orientation - October
- WHEN: Thursday, October 12, 10:30am-11:30am
- WHERE: Virtual
Talk Saves Lives Training for Presenters - Idaho State University
- WHEN: Tuesday, October 10, 2pm-5pm
- WHERE: Virtual
Virtual Talk Saves Lives
- WHEN: Friday, September 29, 2pm-3pm
- WHERE: Anthem Business Group
Tabling at Fountain Square at The Village
- WHEN: Saturday, September 23, 9am-1pm
- WHERE: The Fountain Square at The Village - Meridian, ID
Volunteer 101 Orientation - September
- WHEN: Wednesday, September 20, 8am-9am
- WHERE: Virtual
Introduction to AFSP Presentation
- WHEN: Tuesday, September 19, 7:30pm
- WHERE: Virtual
Tabling at Boise State University Season Home Football Game Opener Tailgate
- WHEN: Saturday, September 16, 7am-9:30am (prior to 10am game time)
- WHERE: DeChevrieux Field next to the Boise State University Football Stadium - Boise, ID
Virtual Talk Saves Lives
- WHEN: Wednesday, September 13, 4pm-5pm
- WHERE: Strata
Tabling at Boise State University's Here For You Fest
- WHEN: Tuesday, September 12, 11am-1:30pm
- WHERE: The Quad at Boise State University - Boise, ID
Tabling at Boise Pride Festival
- WHEN: Saturday, September 9-Sunday, September 10
- WHERE: Cecil D. Andrus Park - Boise, ID (AFSP Idaho will be located in the center of the south side of the festival)
AFSP Idaho is Tabling at the Gowen Thunder Air Show!
- WHEN: Saturday, August 26-Sunday, August 27, 9am-4pm
- WHERE: Gowen Field Air National Guard Base (4775 S Ingalls St, Boise, ID 83705)
AFSP Idaho is Tabling at the Idaho State University Welcome Event!
- WHEN: Wednesday, August 23, 11:30am
- WHERE: Pocatello, ID
Talk Saves Lives Training for Presenters
- WHEN: Friday, August 18, 10am-1pm
- WHERE: Virtual
Volunteer 101 Orientation - August
- WHEN: Tuesday, August 15, 5:30pm-6:30pm
- WHERE: Virtual
Introduction to AFSP
- WHEN: Tuesday, August 8
- WHERE: Rotary Club - Pocatello, ID
AFSP Idaho is Tabling at the Gates City Grays Baseball Game!
- WHEN: Monday, August 7, 7:30pm
- WHERE: Pocatello, ID
Introduction to AFSP
- WHEN: Thursday, August 3
- WHERE: College of Eastern Idaho - Idaho Falls, ID
Volunteer 101 Orientation - July
- WHEN: Thursday, July 27, 1pm-2pm
- WHERE: Virtual
Introduction to AFSP and the Pocatello Out of the Darkness Community Walk
- WHEN: Wednesday, July 19
- WHERE: Civitans Club - Pocatello, ID
Click here to see a list of AFSP Idaho programs offered in the community in Fiscal Year 2023 (July, 2022-June, 2023)
Chapter contact
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.
About AFSP
Learn about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and our mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
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.
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.
Publications from our research
The following are publications that acknowledge the support of AFSP's research grants divided by year of publication.
Join the AFSP Idaho Chapter
Stories and updates
Raise money for a chance to win!
Raise money for a chance to win!
2023 State Capitol Day - Register Today!
Idaho State Capitol Day will take place at the Capitol in Boise on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Details and registration coming soon! Contact [email protected] with questions and/or interest in getting involved. Sign up here to become an AFSP advocate: https://afsp.org/become-a-suicide-prevention-public-policy-advocate
Miss Idaho USA 2023's Continued Support of AFSP
Miss Idaho USA 2023's Continued Support of AFSP
Advocates Gather in Boise to Be the Voice for Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the eighth leading cause of death in Idaho.
Suicide Prevention Advocates to Visit Boise
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, and it remains the eighth leading cause of death in Idaho.