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Are you in a crisis? Call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741

¿Estás en una crisis? Llama o envía un mensaje de texto al 988 o envía un mensaje de texto con AYUDA al 741741

Stories about Advocacy Forum

AFSP Volunteer Advocate Terri Lavely smiling in a white cardigan.

Training to Become a Volunteer Advocate for Suicide Prevention Felt Like a Gift

In January of 2016, I lost my 18-year-old nephew to suicide. The loss was devastating. Being an AFSP Volunteer Advocate has helped me process my own personal experiences, and be braver in standing up for my own needs, those of my family, our community, and all humans. We’re all in this together.

U.S. Congress

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention National Advocacy Forum Unites Advocates to Save Lives through Policy Change

The 14th Annual Advocacy Forum will take place in Washington, DC from June 25 to the 28. Over 200 Volunteer Advocates from across the country will encourage legislators to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health policies that can save lives.

Jennifer looks into the distance

Advocating for Veteran Suicide Prevention in Central Texas

As an Army veteran, knowing that AFSP supports legislation that makes suicide prevention a priority for Veterans, Service Members, and their families is very important to me.

Blue lifesaver header

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention National Advocacy Forum Brings Together Suicide Prevention Advocates from Across the Country

Policy priorities include the implementation of 988 and the crisis response system, and emergency department suicide prevention and screenings

Dark blue banner with lifesavers

Free Live National Advocacy Forum for Suicide Prevention Advocates Offered on June 7

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, is hosting a virtual National Advocacy Forum which brings together AFSP volunteer Field Advocates from across the country to learn about legislation that can save lives. The live event will be held on June 7 and is free and open to the public and media.

Capitol background

Advocating for Suicide Prevention at AFSP’s Annual Advocacy Forum

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to hold the Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C. this year. In lieu of being able hold the event in-person, on June 22 volunteer Field Advocates, members of Congress, and AFSP staff from across the country gathered together virtually for the 2020 Advocacy Forum.

Robert Flanagan

Bringing Prevention to the Church

This piece originally appeared as a Volunteer Spotlight Story in AFSP’s 2018 Annual Report.

Group standing in front of capitol building

Advocating for Suicide Prevention in 2019

With the passionate, active Field Advocates that we have, we know we will make positive change across the country.

Ellen Menendez

From Mother to Daughter

“AFSP has brought meaning to such a tremendous loss. It has allowed me the opportunity to raise awareness and support a community in need.”

Discussion at forum

Fighting for Suicide Prevention Research on Capitol Hill

AFSP’s Volunteer Field Advocates met with all 100 Senate offices and over 375 House offices, and advocated for increased research funding.

Crowd in front of capitol building

Advocacy Forum Recap 2018

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. On June 10-13, more than 225 volunteer advocates traveled from all 50 states to the nation’s capital to urge lawmakers to change this statistic.