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Stories about National Volunteer Week

AFSP advocates gathered on Capital Hill

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Honors Volunteers Changing the Tides on Suicide and Mental Health Nationwide

AFSP is at the vanguard of suicide prevention and mental health thanks to volunteers who dedicate their time, expertise, passion and courage to the cause.

The author, Dennis Lasley, another childhood friend, and Sean Ferguson, all smiling and laughing. They're each holding a trophy they made for the soccer team they volunteered and coached for.

Why I Return: Over a Decade of Volunteering With the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

National Volunteer Week is an annual opportunity to consider how we can each support a cause we care about. For the last 15 years, I have volunteered to help raise awareness about something that has impacted me personally: suicide.

A blue background with fuchsia text that says "We Love Our Volunteers," in the shape of a heart.

Celebrating Our Volunteers: How The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is Making a Difference Through Its People

Through local chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, our volunteers do the work of carrying out AFSP’s mission of saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. In recognition of National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 16-22, 2023), we salute and thank them, and all our remarkable volunteers.

Jennifer Johnson headshot

Changing the Conversation on Suicide in the Black Community

I am a Black woman, and in our community, suicide is largely taboo. It is time for that mindset to be eradicated. I am doing my best to bring about the conversation of suicide prevention in our untapped populations, especially those of color.

Francis Gonzalez headshot

Delivering Talk Saves Lives en Español

Mental health and suicide are topics that are not spoken about enough in the Latinx community, though suicide has always impacted us. It’s exciting to me that AFSP’s Talk Saves Lives education program is available in Spanish.

Nancy Cooper headshot

Finding Strength in AFSP’s Overnight Community

I would like to see a world without suicide, in which everyone takes care of their mental health, and all people support one another and are kind to each other. Everyone should have access to the mental health support and services that they need.

Ihsan Hines headshot

I Walk for Atif and a World Without Suicide

When I envision my hope for the future, stigma around mental health will be a thing of the past. I plan to participate in the healing of our world by being transparent, and teaching others what I’ve learned through my times of struggle and triumph.

ncac volunteers

Giving Thanks to Our Volunteers

We couldn’t accomplish all we do throughout the country without the support of our volunteers, many of whom have a personal connection to the cause. Their passion, support, and hard work makes all the difference and provides the backbone of community that is felt by more and more people every day.

Woman smiling

Volunteering for Suicide Prevention: From Grief to Hope to Action

I have learned that the road to healing is not easy, but few worthwhile things in our lives are easy.

Man smiling

Volunteering for Suicide Prevention: Creating the World We Need

When asked why I volunteer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, my first thoughts are about the faces of the people who have been impacted by suicide and how their stories motivate me to serve.