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Stories about Advocacy

State Capitol Day

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Advocates Gather Nationwide, Calling for Action on Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Policy

Top priorities include securing continued funding for state 988 crisis services systems and increasing lethal means safety

Lifesaver symbols against a blue background

Supporting States in Building Suicide Prevention Infrastructure

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) are working together this May for Mental Health Awareness Month to raise awareness of SPRC’s Recommendations for State Suicide Prevention Infrastructure.

Lifesaver symbols against a blue background

AFSP Sponsoring the American Association of Suicidology’s Healing After Suicide Loss Summit

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is honored to be a sponsor for the 56th annual American Association of Suicidology Conference, including the Healing After Suicide Loss Summit.

U.S. Capitol Building

AFSP Applauds President Biden for Continued Focus on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health in the State of the Union Address

In his second State of the Union address last night, President Biden described his ongoing commitment to addressing the nationwide mental health crisis and increasing support for suicide prevention.

Outside of the senate building an American flag is flying

AFSP Applauds Passage of Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Reauthorization Act and the Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training Act

Passage of this bill is an important achievement for Project 2025—AFSP’s nationwide initiative to reduce suicide in the United States by 20% by 2025—by helping to prevent suicide among individuals who are incarcerated or who were previously incarcerated.

Tim looking into the distance

Supporting Suicide Prevention Policy at Washington State Capitol Day

When our 15-year-old daughter, Nina, died by suicide in September 2016, my wife Dawn and I could have hidden the cause of her death and remained silent. Instead, we chose to bring our story out of the darkness to help others.

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.

Empty desks and chair in a government buidling

AFSP State Capitol Day Events 2022: A United Voice for Suicide Prevention

Each year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s State Capitol Day events provide an opportunity for volunteer advocates to meet with state officials and share their experiences, urging support for legislation that can save lives.

Collage of walkers smiling at the Overnight

Be Good to Yourself: Walking to Heal After Losing My Dad to Suicide

Growing up, my dad ended every conversation with the phrase, “Be good to yourself.” It was on his cellphone voicemail, our home phone’s voicemail, and he said it to people he had just met. My dad’s ever-present lesson in kindness and self-compassion set me on a mission to make this world a better place.

Desk telephone

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Response Services: What They Are and How We Can Support Them

A crisis call is the most common, accessible starting point if you or someone you know is experiencing a suicidal or mental health crisis. On July 16, 2022, to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) will be available through a simple 3-digit,universal phone number, 988.

Photo of the white house at dusk

Turning Listening into Legislation: Advocating for More Accessible and Affordable Mental Health Care

Your story is the opening to an ongoing conversation with your representatives. Our job as advocates is to make sure that listening becomes legislation.

Wendy Sefcik and advocate friends holding a #StopSuicide sign in front of the State Capitol

A Mother’s Perspective: The Need for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Education in Schools

It’s more important than ever before that we make mental health and suicide prevention education in schools a priority – and the good news is that anyone can get involved in helping to advocate for it.