AFSP

Community to Come Together for Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk to Help Save Lives

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 26, 2024

CHICAGO, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 14, a community of people from across the region will come together for largest suicide prevention event in the country: the Out of the Darkness (OOTD) Chicagoland Walk. This annual event helps prevent suicide as well as bring hope to those affected by suicide. Sponsored by the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the three-mile walk starts at Montrose Harbor and runs from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on September 14, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • Chicagoland Walk is the largest suicide prevention event in the U.S.
    CHICAGO, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 14, a community of people from across the region will come together for largest suicide prevention event in the country: the Out of the Darkness (OOTD) Chicagoland Walk.
  • The Chicagoland Walk is one of hundreds held in cities throughout the country.
  • In Illinois, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for ages 10-34 and 6th leading cause for ages 35-54.
  • I found the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and I found comfort and hope," said Phil Martinez, OOTD Chicagoland Walk Chair and chair of AFSP-IL.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Applauds Bipartisan Effort to Improve 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 22, 2024

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel shared an important new proposal to improve access to services through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, March 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel shared an important new proposal to improve access to services through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
  • "The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention applauds Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Secretary Becerra, Senator Tillis, Senator Padilla, and Representative Cárdenas for their collaboration and commitment to improving access to the 988 Lifeline," said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A , Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer for AFSP.
  • AFSP is heartened to see the collaboration of bipartisan Congressional leaders and the FCC to build up the 988 Lifeline to be as robust and effective as it can be.
  • The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is the nation's largest non-profit dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.

PRESIDENT BIDEN REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION IN FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET PROPOSAL

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

NEW YORK, March 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the nation's largest suicide prevention organization, today applauds President Biden and his recently released 2025 budget proposal giving significant funding and attention to critical suicide prevention and mental health activities in the upcoming fiscal year beginning October 1.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, March 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the nation's largest suicide prevention organization, today applauds President Biden and his recently released 2025 budget proposal giving significant funding and attention to critical suicide prevention and mental health activities in the upcoming fiscal year beginning October 1.
  • $68 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program (CSP), an increase of $38 million over FY 23.
  • $1.043 billion for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant program, an increase of $35 million over FY 23.
  • We are also pleased that the budget expands CDC's Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program, which will bring community-based public health approaches to preventing suicide to additional locations across the country.

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

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024

NEW YORK, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, but it can be prevented. Each year from January to May, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) chapters host State Capitol Day events across the country to provide the organization's over 50,000 Volunteer Advocates an opportunity to meet directly with public officials and impact suicide prevention legislation and policies in their home state. Two of this year's top policy priorities include securing permanent, sustainable funding for state 988 crisis services systems and increasing lethal means safety.

Key Points: 
  • This increase underscores the urgency of prioritizing state and local policies to improve mental health and prevent suicide.
  • "Thanks in no small part to the work of our Advocates, 48 suicide prevention and mental health bills we supported at the AFSP State Capitol Day events in 2023 have become law."
  • The Lifeline operates 24/7 to offer free, confidential support for crises related to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, mental health and substance use.
  • The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss .

Bechtel and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Partner to Prevent Construction Worker Suicides

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bechtel and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) today announced a new, multiyear partnership dedicated to saving lives in the construction community lost to suicide. The initiative was unveiled this morning in Washington, D.C., at an event focused on raising awareness, educating stakeholders on this crisis, and beginning to build a coalition to prevent construction worker suicides.  

Key Points: 
  • Bechtel's $7 million dollar commitment to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will provide critical resources and programming to 500,000 U.S. construction workers over the next five years.
  • WASHINGTON, March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bechtel and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) today announced a new, multiyear partnership dedicated to saving lives in the construction community lost to suicide.
  • The new partnership will reach 500,000 U.S. construction workers over five years through industry-specific programs and resources developed by Bechtel and AFSP.
  • "It's time to bring the same mindset, resources, and innovation to the issue of mental health and suicide prevention."

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Launches Suicide Prevention Resource for Black and African American Communities

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As we enter Black History Month, a period to honor the contributions of Black and African American individuals in the United States, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is rolling out a new educational program supporting mental health equity for Black and African American communities.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As we enter Black History Month, a period to honor the contributions of Black and African American individuals in the United States, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is rolling out a new educational program supporting mental health equity for Black and African American communities.
  • (Listening, Empathy, Trust, Support) Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities is a free presentation created by and for Black people, designed to reduce cultural stigma, foster conversations about mental health, and raise awareness of suicide prevention for individuals who identify as Black or African American.
  • The age-adjusted suicide rate for Black and African American people was 8.34 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021.
  • Save Lives was created by an advisory committee of experts in Black and African American mental health and suicide prevention, researchers, clinicians, survivors of suicide loss, and those with lived experience.

PAPA ROACH CONTINUES SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS WITH RELEASE OF "SCARS FEAT. CHRIS DAUGHTRY (LIVE)"

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- After surprising and captivating the audience on the Nashville stop of "The Revolutions Live Tour" with a performance of "Scars" with surprise guest, Chris Daughtry, rock legends Papa Roach have shared the brand new live version of their hit single. This track is out now and streaming here.

Key Points: 
  • Chris Daughtry (Live)' sends a powerful reminder to listeners that they are not alone and that there is help available.
  • By using their platform to raise awareness, Papa Roach and Daughtry are elevating the conversation about mental health and suicide prevention."
  • Chris Daughtry (Live)" royalties will also be donated to AFSP in support of their "Talk Away The Dark'' campaign.
  • Information on resources from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention may be found here .

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Welcomes 2024 National Board Members

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 10, 2024

NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization, is pleased to announce its 2024 National Board of Directors.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization, is pleased to announce its 2024 National Board of Directors.
  • Board members oversee the organization's efforts to empower the public through suicide prevention research, education, support and advocacy.
  • It's through the leadership and dedication of those who serve on the National Board that AFSP will advance suicide prevention in our country," said AFSP Chief Executive Officer Robert Gebbia .
  • The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss .

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Announces Annual Research Grants Totaling Over $9 Million

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Today, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) announces 27 new research grants totaling $9.1 million, making the organization's total current research investment more than $32 million.

Key Points: 
  • Today, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) announces 27 new research grants totaling $9.1 million, making the organization's total current research investment more than $32 million.
  • This year the organization also was co-host to the sixth International Summit on Suicide Research in Barcelona, Spain with the International Academy of Suicide Research.
  • "As the leading private funder of suicide research, we have the responsibility to fund novel, impactful and rigorous research studies.
  • AFSP welcomes applications in all areas of suicide research and sets research priorities to stimulate research in typically understudied areas to generate new research where needed.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Honors International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day Through 300+ Community Events, New Documentary

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 6, 2023

NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (Survivor Day), Saturday, November 18, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide research and prevention organization in the U.S., is inviting those who have lost a loved one to suicide to participate in a day of healing at one of more than 300 events held worldwide on or near the day's observance.

Key Points: 
  • AFSP provides a safe space where survivors of suicide loss are encouraged to come together in their local communities to find comfort and community as they share stories of healing and hope.
  • "The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is here to support the millions of people across the globe impacted by suicide, no matter where you are at in your grief.
  • "International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day occurs each year very close to the time [my wife] Alice passed away.
  • The series features the brave personal stories, journeys, and wisdom of those who have traversed loss due to suicide.