Join a Virtual Event for Survivor Day
October 22, 2026 – 4 min read
By AFSP
Join a Virtual Event for Survivor Day
Each year, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day takes place the Saturday before American Thanksgiving. Also known as Survivor Day, this annual occasion allows those who have been affected by suicide to come together for support, comfort, and healing through shared experience. This year, Survivor Day events take place around the globe on Saturday, November 21, 2026.
In addition to in-person Survivor Day events, AFSP also hosts several virtual events, including Survivor Day Live for the general public, and additional events created by and for specific communities. Learn more about our virtual event offerings below.
For the general public:
Survivor Day Live
7 p.m. EST Saturday, November 21, on Facebook and YouTube
For this year’s event, Dr. Stacey Freedenthal will share her own journey through lived experience and suicide loss. During her presentation, she will explore a phrase often shared in prevention settings — “suicide is preventable” — and the difficult questions it can raise for those who have lost someone to suicide. Dr. Freedenthal will reflect on the complexity of suicide and the reality that suicide cannot always be prevented — an important and compassionate message for suicide loss survivors.
Stacey Freedenthal, Ph.D., LCSW, is a psychotherapist, educator, and nationally recognized expert in suicide loss and grief. She is the author of Helping the Suicidal Person and Loving Someone with Suicidal Thoughts, and the founder of the widely used resource website Speaking of Suicide. An associate professor at the University of Denver, Dr. Freedenthal works across clinical practice, academia, and public education to support individuals and families affected by suicide loss with compassion, insight, and care.
For specific communities:
L.E.T.S. Survive Suicide Loss: A Survivor Day Live Event for Black and African American Communities
4 p.m. EST Tuesday, November 17, on Facebook or YouTube
L.E.T.S. Survive Suicide Loss is a Survivor Day Live event created by and for Black and African American suicide loss survivors. Through a panel discussion featuring suicide loss survivors, participants will learn about personal stories of loss, grief, and healing, gaining insight into the unique experiences of those who have lost someone to suicide.
Moderated by Victor Armstrong, AFSP Vice President for Health Equity & Engagement, the panel will feature Chester Gregory, award-winning actor, singer, speaker, and coach; T-Kea Blackman, executive director and co-founder of Black People Die By Suicide Too; Doug Middleton, wellness entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and former NFL athlete; and Dionne Monsanto, grief coach, speaker, author, yoga teacher, and dance teacher. This event offers an opportunity to feel a sense of connection through the shared experiences of others through a culturally affirming discussion.
Creating Space for Healing: A Clinician International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day Gathering
Hosted by AFSP South Carolina
7 p.m. EST on Thursday, November 19
The loss of someone to suicide can have a profound impact. For clinicians and healthcare professionals, that grief can carry additional layers when the person who died was someone we cared for, worked alongside, supervised, mentored, or supported professionally.
In recognition of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, this virtual gathering offers a confidential, supportive space for clinicians and healthcare providers who have experienced the suicide death of a patient or client, colleague, supervisee or mentee, or staff member.
Together, we will honor those we have lost, acknowledge the unique and sometimes complicated experience of professional suicide loss, and create space for reflection, connection, and healing. Participants will be invited to engage in remembrance, guided reflection, conversation, and practices that support hope and self-care. Sharing is always optional.
Please note: This is an affinity gathering specifically for clinicians and healthcare providers who have experienced a suicide loss within their professional role or healthcare community. To protect the purpose and emotional safety of the gathering, registration is limited to individuals with this lived professional experience.
You do not have to carry this loss only in your role as the helper. For one hour, you are invited to simply come as you are and be with others who understand.
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day for Veterans, Service Members, Families, and Caregivers
Hosted by AFSP Indiana
1 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. CT on Thursday, November 19
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience. This will be a virtual event for Veterans, Service Members, Families and Caregivers who have experienced a loss due to suicide. Those who have not lost someone to suicide may also attend.
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day for AAPI Communities
Hosted by AFSP North Carolina
4 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 19
This Survivor Day virtual event is for members of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) communities who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. Survivors come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through shared experiences and cultural perspectives.
This event is intended for AAPI survivors of suicide loss. Allies who wish to show support are also welcome.