National Suicide Prevention Week September 10 - 16, 2023

National Suicide Prevention Week is almost here! It begins on September 10 with World Suicide Prevention Day, and AFSP recognizes the entire month of September as National Suicide Prevention Month.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be sharing specific actions you can take to help Talk Away the Dark. If you’re looking to deepen your involvement with AFSP and join us in our mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide, here are two actions you can take to get started:

Join a local AFSP chapter and Walk with us this fall

The best way you can begin to drive change and understanding in your community –– and start conversations that bring suicide out of the shadows –– is to connect with your local AFSP chapter and join an Out of the Darkness Walk.

AFSP’s local chapters bring together dedicated volunteers, many of whom have a personal connection to the cause. Our chapters form a community of people who lead by example, spreading hope through local programs, activities and events. Our Out of the Darkness Walks, which take place in communities everywhere, raise awareness and much-needed funds, and strongly send the message that suicide can be preventable, and that no one is alone. Find a Walk in your area here.

Advocate for policy priorities, such as supporting LGBTQ individuals and communities, Veteran and Servicemember suicide prevention, and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Save the date for two webinars coming up in September, hosted by AFSP's Public Policy team! Join us on Thursday, September 21, for part two of our CDC Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program Webinar. This webinar is a virtual briefing for AFSP volunteers and Hill staff to highlight the CDC’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program. Watch the recording of part one, "A Comprehensive Approach to Suicide Prevention," and register here for part two.

On Tuesday, September 27, at 3pm ET, our Public Policy team will host part two of our LGBTQ webinar series, “LGBTQ Policy & State Advocacy.” This webinar will review anti-LGBTQ legislation and discuss preparing to oppose future bills that aim to restrict LGBTQ data collection, allow for conversion therapy, limit or prohibit access to gender-affirming healthcare, or put discriminatory or exclusionary school policies in place. Guest speaker Delegate Danica Roem (VA) will offer her insights on how to effectively speak out against these dangerous bills and support LGBTQ people through our advocacy. Visit our webpage to learn more about AFSP's policy position on supporting LGBTQ individuals and communities, and register here for part two of the LGBTQ webinar series.

Find out how you can help Talk Away the Dark by becoming a Volunteer Advocate, and joining a large grassroots movement of people speaking out for suicide prevention and mental health at all levels of government. You can learn more about AFSP's public policy priorities here.

We hope National Suicide Prevention Month inspires you to get involved with your local AFSP chapter, attend an Out of the Darkness Walk, and advocate for life-saving policy changes! Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #TalkAwayTheDark, and keep an eye out for our next action updates.

Learn more