Joy, Hope and Gratitude

Feb. 11, 2020 - As part of the Mental Health for US initiative, focused on elevating mental health and addiction in national policy conversations, mental health and substance use disorder advocates gathered at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire on December 16 for a town hall discussion on mental health. During the event, AFSP volunteer and chapter board member Matthew Francis was invited to share his story of hope in the face of his distress, and how a physical health challenge provided perspective on his mental health.

The event was hosted by the New Hampshire Behavioral Health Association, Mental Health for US, and the National Council for Behavioral Health. The event also featured two-time U.S. Olympian and IRONMAN triathlete Sarah True, U.S. Representative Chris Pappas, former U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy, and other local and community speakers. 2020 Presidential candidates U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI2), Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, Former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL 8), and Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld were also part of the event.

Mental Health for US is a nonpartisan educational initiative focused on elevating mental health and addiction in national policy conversations by empowering grassroots advocates and improving candidate and policymaker health literacy. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a proud leader in this coalition, participating in events across the country to advocate for better mental health services and ensure that treatment and support are available and accessible to all those who seek them.

To learn how you can get involved in AFSP’s advocacy efforts, click here.