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Stories about State Capitol Day

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

State Capitol Days: How Our Volunteer Advocates Are Making a Difference

State Capitol Days are here! Read how our Volunteer Advocates make a difference in supporting critical legislative and policy issues in their states — and how you can, too!

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.

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.

Dark blue banner with lifesavers

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.

Headshot of Beverly smiling at the camera

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.

Dark blue banner with lifesavers

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.

Group of volunteers at State Capitol Day

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.

Chelsey Dumond, AFSP Senior Manager, Public Policy Events and Projects

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.

Sign in front of building

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.

Logo for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Advocates Support Youth Suicide Prevention Efforts in Lincoln

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and in Nebraska.

Logo for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Advocates Gather for Mental Health Advocacy Day in Columbia

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the eleventh leading cause of death in South Carolina.