Public policy priorities
AFSP Field Advocates have won many victories at both federal and state levels, including passage of landmark legislation like the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act, mandatory suicide prevention training and policies for schools, and mental health parity in insurance coverage. Learn more about our top federal and state public policy priorities, below.
AFSP’s 2021-2022 Public Policy Synopses for are also available in pdf form. Download the state policy synopsis or download the federal policy synopsis.
Funding for 988 & crisis response
AFSP supports increases in federal and state funding for the future 988 crisis response system, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and its network of independently operated state and local crisis centers.
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Mental health parity
AFSP supports uniform implementation of laws requiring mental health parity in insurance coverage.
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K-12 school suicide prevention
AFSP supports requirements for regular suicide prevention training and the adoption of suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention policies in schools.
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Military and Veteran suicide prevention
AFSP supports legislation that prioritizes suicide prevention for Veterans, Service members, and their families.
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Extreme risk protection orders
AFSP supports the use of ERPOs as a tool to help prevent suicide when voluntary efforts to separate an at-risk individual from a firearm are unsuccessful or impossible and suicide risk is imminent.
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Health professional training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management
AFSP supports training requirements for primary care and mental health professionals in suicide assessment, treatment, and management.
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Conversion therapy bans
AFSP stands with the consensus of every major health organization and supports bans on practicing conversion therapy on minors.
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University and college campus suicide prevention
AFSP supports increased awareness of and access to mental health and suicide prevention resources on university and college campuses.
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Statewide suicide initiatives and plans
AFSP supports effective statewide suicide prevention plans that are fully implemented, funded, and address suicide prevention across the lifespan.
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Bridge barriers
AFSP is focused on supporting the passage of legislation that would provide federal funding for bridge barriers as well as working with state Departments of Transportation and state and municipal governments to establish regulation and funding of barriers.
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Visit our Action Center to stay up to date on the federal and state bills that need your support.
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