Stories about Public Policy
Advocating for 988 at AFSP’s 15th Annual Advocacy Forum
From Sunday June 9th to Wednesday June 12th, AFSP hosted its 15th Annual Advocacy Forum! Together, nearly 250 AFSP Volunteer Advocates celebrated “15 years of Advocating for Suicide Prevention” and participated in educational sessions on legislation to improve mental health and save lives.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Statement on Firearm Violence Public Health Advisory
AFSP commends U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy for releasing a new advisory today: Firearm Violence: A Public Health Crisis in America.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Celebrates 15 Years of Advocacy, Calls on Congress to Strengthen 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Volunteer Advocates from across the country will meet with over 250 Congressional Offices in Washington, D.C. at AFSP’s Advocacy Forum
Leading Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Organizations Celebrate Major Milestone for the 988 Lifeline and Crisis Response
10 states now sustainably fund the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; groups urge others to act
Growing up Transgender in the South: Legislative Attacks, Suicide Prevention, and Advocating for a Path Forward
As a transgender woman who was able to begin receiving gender-affirming care in my youth while living in rural Arkansas, I deeply understand the stakes that the anti-trans legislation that has been proposed across the country, particularly in the South, holds for young transgender people.
2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report Intensifies Call for Continued Efforts to Improve Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
The report from the VA strengthens our resolve to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
NAMI and AFSP Celebrate Launch of Bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus
AFSP thanks Senators Padilla, Tillis, Ernst, and Smith for their leadership in launching the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus
Statement from the CEO Alliance on Biden Administration’s Push to Improve Parity
The Biden Administration’s new proposal would ensure that people with mental health and substance use conditions do not face arbitrary barriers to receiving care.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Applauds Biden-Harris Administration for Announced Rules to Strengthen Parity Enforcement
“These proposed rules will help advance the nationwide effort to prevent suicide, and we urge their swift dissemination and adoption,"said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia
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.
Recent Legislation Targeting the Rights of Trans Individuals Deepens Concerns Around the Mental Health of LGBTQ Communities: Leading suicide prevention organization strongly opposes bills that can harm the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ people
Leading suicide prevention organization strongly opposes bills that can harm the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ people
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Applauds President Biden on the Inclusion of Critical Suicide Prevention and Crisis Care Funding in the FY 2024 Budget Proposal
AFSP commends the Administration for continuing to invest in the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and behavioral health crisis services, including providing $836 million for expanding and sustaining the country’s crisis care continuum.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join Me in Advocating for Suicide Prevention Research Funding
When it comes to suicide prevention, there are many important things for which we need to advocate. As the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Vice President of Research, funding for suicide prevention research is at the top of my list!
Suicide Prevention Advocate Perspectives: Why the New 988 Crisis Number Matters – A Conversation with Tori Yeates of AFSP Utah
Starting in July 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a 24/7 toll-free crisis line that provides immediate response to millions of callers in crisis every year, will be able to be reached via a simple code: 988.
Suicide Prevention Advocate Perspectives: Why the New 988 Crisis Number Matters – A Conversation with Jen Preble of AFSP Montana
In July 2022, a simple dialing code, 988, will route persons in crisis directly to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a 24/7 toll-free crisis line that provides immediate care and resources to millions of callers every year.
AFSP National Board Member Chris Thomas Testifies for Suicide Prevention in Memory of Daughter Ella
AFSP National Board member, Chris Thomas, delivered powerful testimony before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce last Thursday, February 17, 2022, about the urgency of reforming and investing in systems that support mental health and suicide prevention.
Suicide Prevention Advocate Perspectives: Why the New 988 Crisis Number Matters – A Conversation with Kirsten Krueger of AFSP South Dakota
Starting in July 2022, people across the nation experiencing a suicide or mental health crisis will be able to dial just three digits – 988 – to be routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a 24/7 toll-free crisis line that provides immediate care and resources to millions of callers every year.
Introducing AFSP’s Newest Public Policy Council Member: Beverly Goldberg
An interview with AFSP's newest PPC member who is dedicated to mental health advocacy.
Tester, Moran Take Bipartisan Action to Bolster Post-9/11 Veterans’ Access to Mental Health Care
Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee leaders introduce legislation to strengthen workforce, expand care, and support mental health research at VA
Survivor Day on The Hill
On November 15 2017, the AFSP Public Policy Office held a Congressional staff briefing co-sponsored by the House Task Force on Suicide Prevention in observance of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.
Supporting the Future 988 Crisis Line Through a Week of Action
On November 16, community leaders and advocates across the country came together for REIMAGINE: A Week of Action to Reimagine Our National Response to People in Crisis, a three-day event to learn more about 988 and actions people can take to help to build a comprehensive crisis response system in their state.
Nation’s Leading Mental Health Organizations Offer a Comprehensive Roadmap for Reimagining Crisis Response for Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders and Suicide Prevention
A collaborative of 15 of the nation’s leading mental health professional organizations, advocacy groups and funders today published a roadmap to guide mental health crisis response mandated by the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020.
Making a Difference in Our Healthcare System: Thoughts from a Suicide Attempt Survivor
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are otherwise in crisis, know this: you are cherished. You are important. You can move beyond this and make an indescribable impact on the world around you. Please don’t give up. Help is always available.
Introducing AFSP’s Newest Public Policy Council Members: What Advocacy Means to Them
In June of 2021, the Council welcomed three new council members: Alex Byrd Spencer (Sacramento, CA); Corbin Standley (Lansing, MI); and Jennifer Butler (Columbia, SC). Each have served on Chapter Boards, organized walks and other events, and shared their personal connections to the cause as field advocates.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Announces Two Key Hires to Support Mission
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the nation’s largest suicide prevention organization, today announced two key hires. Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A. joins the organization as Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Renee Cruz, MPH has been named Vice President of Project 2025.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Applauds the House of Representatives for Dedicating Resources to the Fight for Suicide Prevention
AFSP applauds the Committee for record increases for crisis services and the continuum of care as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline transitions to 988 in July 2022, including a record increase of $89.6 million (from $24 million to $113.6 million) for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK).
What It Means to Be a Suicide Prevention Advocate: Making a Difference in My State
As a result of the dedication and perseverance of local field advocates, AFSP has become a lead voice in Oregon’s suicide prevention efforts statewide and played a large role in the enactment of several mental health and suicide prevention laws over the last three years.
Speaking Out in the Fight to Stop Suicide
Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and staff, this past year we saw the successful passage of five federal bills and 27 state bills in support of our top public policy priorities.
Advocating for Change: AFSP’s 2021 State Capitol Day Events
At this year’s virtual State Capitol Day events, volunteer Field Advocates learned about important AFSP Public Policy Priorities and heard from their local chapter board members and public officials about the importance of advocacy and how they can make a difference in the legislative process.
Why I Fight: Preventing Physician Suicide, and the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act
We must prioritize the mental health of our frontline medical professionals who are caring for some of our most vulnerable patients, and encourage help-seeking behaviors for mental health concerns and substance use disorders by reducing stigma, increasing resources, and having open conversations about mental health.
Announcing a New Call to Action from the Surgeon General on Suicide Prevention
We at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) are excited to announce the release of the Surgeon General's Call to Action to Implement the National Strategy to Prevent Suicide.
Volunteer Advocates Push For Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Legislation Nationwide
This spring, over 30,000 volunteer Field Advocates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will join together in advocating for effective suicide prevention legislation.
Advocating and Spreading Awareness: Fighting Suicide in Honor of My Son
As educators and parents, we want other parents and teachers to know what we wish we had known before it was too late.
Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Biela, on the Importance of Advocacy
To get involved, find your local chapter and check out the volunteer opportunities at the array of programs and events offered year-round!
Making Mental Healthy Parity a Priority in Arizona
Mental health parity is one of AFSP’s public policy priorities. Simply put, mental health parity means that insurance companies and health plans must cover mental health care the same way they cover other medical care, without any extra restrictions for mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
Nation’s Largest Suicide Prevention Organization Applauds FCC for 988 Vote
Urges Congress to Act
Advocating for Smart Suicide Prevention Policies: A Look Ahead at 2021
As the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s work continues to grow, so do our Public Policy Priorities as we work (with the help of our volunteer Field Advocates) to pass important legislation that will help save lives.
Nation’s Largest Suicide Prevention Organization Applauds Congressional Action During September National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
AFSP is thankful of House passage of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which will support the implementation of the future 9-8-8 crisis hotline. This historic legislation, once signed by the President, will bring our nation’s suicide prevention and mental health crisis response system into the 21st century.
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.
AFSP Applauds Passage of K-12 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Legislation in NC
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, applauds the North Carolina legislature and Governor Cooper for passing and signing Senate Bill 476 into law.
AFSP Advocacy: Transforming Hope into Reality
To learn more about our exciting work and read other Volunteer Spotlight Stories, see our 2019 Annual Report.
Advocating for a Simpler Way to Get Help
In December 2019, the FCC voted to designate a three-digit phone number, 9-8-8, for individuals in suicidal crisis to seek help.
Joy, Hope and Gratitude
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a proud leader in the Mental Health for US coalition.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Thanks Congress for Dedicating Resources for Suicide Prevention
Congress passed the Fiscal Year 2020 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.
AFSP Urges Congress to Simplify and Fund the Nation’s Suicide Prevention Lifeline Phone Number
AFSP has endorsed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act and the 988-dialing code designation.
AFSP Supports 3-Digit Mental Health, Suicide Prevention Number and Urges Continued Congressional Oversight
AFSP responded to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Report on the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act to the U.S. Congress with this statement by John Madigan, AFSP Senior Vice President and Chief Public Policy Officer.
Suicide Prevention Advocates Host Capitol Day in Trenton
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the 14th leading cause of death in New Jersey.
Advocates Visit Baton Rouge to Urge Lawmakers to Strengthen School Suicide Prevention Efforts
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the eleventh leading cause of death in Louisiana.
Suicide Prevention Advocates Raise Their Voice for Mental Health in Columbus
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the eleventh leading cause of death in Ohio.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Advocates Gather in Columbia
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and in South Carolina.
Suicide Prevention Advocates Meet with Lawmakers in Hartford
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the 12th leading cause of death in Connecticut.
Advocates Gather in Montgomery to Be the Voice for Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the 11th leading cause of death in Alabama.
Suicide Prevention Advocates Gather in Harrisburg
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the 11th leading cause of death in Pennsylvania.
Suicide Prevention Advocates Urge Lawmakers to Fund Suicide Prevention Efforts Across the Commonwealth
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the 12th leading cause of death in Massachusetts.
Suicide Prevention Advocates Gather in Providence for First Annual State Capitol Day
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the 11th leading cause of death in Rhode Island.
Suicide Prevention Advocates Raise Their Voices for Expanded Mental Health Services
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the 12th leading cause of death in New York.
Suicide Prevention Advocates Meet with Lawmakers in Lansing
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, and in Michigan.
Minnesota Advocates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Visit St. Paul to Meet with Lawmakers
On average, every eleven hours, someone dies by suicide in Minnesota. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the eighth leading cause of death in Minnesota.
AFSP Suicide Prevention Advocates Hold First State Capitol Day in Dover
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the eleventh leading cause of death in Delaware.
Suicide Prevention Advocates Raise Their Voice for Mental Health in Tallahassee
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the eighth leading cause of death in Florida.
Suicide Prevention Advocates to Hold Candlelight Vigil to Raise Awareness in Juneau
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death in Alaska.