Supporting Communities in Uncertain Times
On behalf of all of us at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, our thoughts are with you and your family during the COVID-19 outbreak. We hope you are staying safe and healthy.
During this time of physical isolation and disruption to our regular way of life, AFSP knows it is more important than ever to focus on building virtual connections, practicing self-care, expressing compassion, and leading with acts of kindness. Even though we face a road of uncertainty and challenges, we can make it through together and come out the other side stronger.
AFSP is dedicated to building strong mental health communities. The work we do everyday to educate, advocate, support and research suicide prevention still continues, but there are additional steps we are taking as an organization to focus on mental health during COVID-19:
- AFSP is engaging and educating the public on the importance of mental health and self-care during the outbreak by creating a digital toolkit containing resources to help people cope, connect and care for one another. Visit afsp.org/covid-19 to learn more.
- AFSP’s advocacy team is promoting legislation focused on increasing access to crisis resources, including: prioritizing mental health care coverage; improving crisis care and suicide prevention measures during COVID-19; and supporting Congressional efforts to increase funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by $10 million.
- Through our social media channels, AFSP is hosting regular webinars to connect, engage, and educate the community on how to support your mental health and the health of your loved ones.
- AFSP chapters across the United States have adapted our life-saving programs to ensure continued delivery of critical resources during this unprecedented time.
- Additionally, AFSP has adapted many of our events this spring with virtual options to allow supporters to stay connected and bring hope to those who have lost loved ones to suicide and to everyone who is struggling.
- AFSP is currently developing mental health resources and materials for employers to use in supporting their employees and to help navigate the current crisis. And we are partnering with leading mental health organizations to disseminate to the public a series of short, informative videos on mental health and suicide prevention.
While the world and our situation is changing rapidly, one certainty is that AFSP will continue to be here to support you and your community in taking care of your mental health and ensuring the suicide prevention resources needed are also available.
AFSP’s lifesaving work, nationally and locally through our chapters, is only possible because of passionate, dedicated individuals like you. If your situation allows you to make a donation in support of our work at this time, please know your gift will make an incredible impact on our efforts. We are, and continue to be, grateful for your support!
Please take care and know we are here for you!
Sincerely,
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