American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Launches Creator-Led Lifesaver Ambassadors Program

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is celebrating the launch of its Lifesaver Ambassadors program, an influencer-led collective established to drive ongoing storytelling and the amplification of mental health and suicide prevention messaging while demonstrating how to recognize risk and warning signs of suicide, how to have meaningful conversations about mental health, and encourage help seeking. The AFSP award-winning public service campaign, Talk Away the Dark, which leans into these focus areas, will serve as a backdrop to the campaign.  

As a non-profit health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education, and advocacy, AFSP has long worked with content creators to amplify its mission and encourage people to have open, direct, caring conversations about mental health. Now, with the creation of this program, AFSP and creators are working together to build an online community that shows everyone they’re not alone, and that help is available. This new social media program equips creators with the knowledge and tools to share with their audiences how to talk safely and encouragingly about mental health and suicide, get involved with local AFSP chapters, and take action for suicide prevention. 

“The goal in launching this collective is to raise awareness about the warning signs of suicide and encourage people to talk openly about their experiences with mental health, emphasizing the critical role that these important conversations play in suicide prevention. By establishing a network of creators dedicated to mental health awareness and creating social content about key moments as well as personal stories and connections to the cause, AFSP hopes to continue leading the way in mental health and suicide prevention education.”  – Stephanie Rogers, EVP and Chief Communications Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 

The creation of the Lifesaver Ambassadors program fuels AFSP’s continuing mission to educate people on the topic of suicide prevention and reduce the shame that some still feel around the subject of mental health. The organization was founded in 1987 by families who had lost loved ones to suicide and scientific researchers who wanted to learn more and help save lives. Today, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention combines science and grassroots efforts, and gives those affected by suicide a nationwide movement of over one million people, with chapters in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. 

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., with over 48,000 Americans dying each year. It’s the second leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10 and 34. It’s estimated that there are 25 suicide attempts for each death, or more than 1 million suicide attempts per year. By initiating the new Lifesaver Ambassadors program and working alongside a leading team of influencers and encouraging others to have direct, lifesaving conversations, AFSP will continue to play a role in bringing suicide out of the darkness by teaching new audiences across the country how to safely share their stories, raise awareness and understanding, and inspire hope.

Visit our website to learn more about AFSP’s Lifesaver Ambassadors program:

https://afsp.org/lifesaver-ambassadors