American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.
The AFSP has chapters in all 50 states with its core strategies including providing educational programs for professionals, educating the public about mood disorders and suicide prevention, funding scientific research, offering programs and resources for survivors of suicide loss as well as people at risk, and advocating for policies and legislation that impact suicide and prevention.
The AFSP acknowledges that too many people at risk for suicide do not seek help. Thus, the organization has created educational programs to reach those who are suffering as well as teach schools, workplaces, and communities how to help prevent suicide and make mental health a priority.
AFSP has also created the Interactive Screening Program offered through mental health agencies at institutions of higher education, law enforcement agencies, workplaces, and employee assistance programs.
The interactive screening program website offers a safe, confidential place to take a brief screening for stress, depression, and other mental health conditions and then receive a personalized response from a mental health counselor. The site allows people to communicate anonymously with the mental health counselor and receive recommendations, feedback, and support for obtaining available mental health services.
Additionally, the AFSP offers programs and resources for healing as well as a peer-supported survivor outreach program. Volunteer opportunities help survivors find meaning and healing by supporting their peers. AFSP’s public policy team provides volunteers with the tools to advocate for suicide prevention at both the state and federal levels.
Much of what we know about suicide has come from AFSP-funded research.
You can help promote suicide awareness and raise funds for AFSP by participating in Out of the Darkness community, campus, and overnight walks, honoring a loved one via a memorial fund, creating a personal fundraising campaign, joining a team AFSP event, or simply making a donation. You can also get involved by becoming a member of your local chapter or by participating in one of AFSP’s research studies.
