Yesterday, September 10, was World Suicide Prevention Day, and the first day of National Suicide Prevention Week. Throughout the month of September, we're amplifying messages of hope and healing, and highlighting ways you can help Talk Away the Dark, such as joining your local AFSP chapter, participating in an Out of the Darkness Walk, or becoming a Volunteer Advocate.

Another way you can take action is by learning more about the research behind suicide prevention, and this week is the perfect opportunity:

Watch a special episode of Ask Dr. Jill, "Communicating Safely About Suicide"

Research helps us understand what leads someone to suicide, and how we may effectively save more lives. At 3pm ET on September 13, you can tune in to a special episode of Ask Dr. Jill, "Communicating Safely About Suicide," featuring AFSP’s Senior Vice President of Research, Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman, with guest Dr. Madelyn Gould, an expert on suicide contagion and reporting and storytelling practices that safely drive the national conversation.

Over the past four decades, Dr. Gould has contributed extensive research to deepen our understanding of youth mental health and suicide prevention, as well as how asking directly if someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts is the right thing to do when someone is in crisis. Dr. Gould provided expert guidance on AFSP’s Talk Away the Dark campaign film, which highlights common warning signs, and illustrates how someone can begin a caring conversation with someone in suicidal crisis.

Moderated by AFSP’s Director of Writing and Entertainment Outreach, Brett Wean, September’s episode of Ask Dr. Jill will explore the possible positive and negative effects of how the topic of suicide is handled in reporting and popular entertainment, as well as how individuals can have safe, productive conversations about this important topic.

We can't wait to have you there! Tune in at 3pm ET on September 13, and make sure to RSVP at the link below.