At [AFSP]([link removed]), our mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

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There are still over two weeks left of Mental Health Awareness Month, and plenty of ways we can each help #TalkAwayTheDark. 

Start a conversation about mental health by sharing one of our beautiful new postcards, either by [posting the art online]([link removed]) or by mailing a [physical postcard]([link removed]) to a loved one with a personal message on the back. We also encourage you to read and share our brand-new #RealConvo Guide, [“Connecting Someone to Help (When They’re Hesitant),"]([link removed]) which contains advanced strategies on encouraging someone to get help when they have concerns about receiving support. You can continue to post our [new social media graphics]([link removed]), which include informative and uplifting messages to help raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health.

AFSP is continuing to observe Mental Health Awareness Month through these upcoming events, many of which you can attend virtually:

- Today, May 15, AFSP CEO Bob Gebbia will share remarks at a Capitol Hill reception in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and the [2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention]([link removed]). During his visit, Bob will also join NAMI CEO Dan Gillison in meetings with state legislators to discuss the [988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline]([link removed]), suicide prevention, and mental health.
- Join us tomorrow, May 16, for a new Facebook Live episode of Ask Dr. Jill. In this special event, AFSP Senior Vice President of Research Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman will answer audience questions about how to respond to someone at risk if they have fears and hesitations about reaching support. The conversations will take place at 1pm ET on Thursday, May 16, at [facebook.com/afspnational]([link removed]).
- Tune in on May 20 for our Facebook and YouTube Livestream, “Preventing Veteran Suicide: Advocacy, Policies, and How You Can Help,” featuring AFSP Senior Manager of Federal Policy Bill White, and Ian Perry, member of AFSP’s Public Policy Council. Join us at 4pm ET on Monday, May 20, at [facebook.com/afspnational]([link removed]) and [youtube.com/afspnational]([link removed]).
- AFSP will be participating in a Twitter/X Chat hosted by Kaiser Permanent and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at 1pm ET on Thursday, May 23. Use [#PresenceOfMind]([link removed]) and join them for an eye-opening conversation about loneliness and isolation.
- Director Zack Snyder will be joining AFSP Executive Director of the Los Angeles and Central Coast Chapter Louisa Rocque, and AFSP Director of Writing and Entertainment Outreach Brett Wean, along with AFSP volunteers for a Q & A discussion on fundraising and how we can all help #TalkAwayTheDark. Tune in [here]([link removed]) at 3pm ET on Thursday, May 30.
- At 4pm ET on Thursday, May 30, join us for [“Talk Away the Dark: A Musical Conversation with Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach."]([link removed]) For this special event, AFSP Director of Writing and Entertainment Outreach Brett Wean will sit down with Papa Roach’s lead singer to discuss the role of music in exploring complex emotions, and how we can all help to #TalkAwayTheDark when someone we know is struggling.

Here are a couple more exciting ways you can help shed light on mental health and suicide prevention:

- Enter our special [#TalkAwayTheDark merch giveaway]([link removed]) by May 31. Three lucky winners will receive a t-shirt, hat, and other items to help raise awareness about how we can all play a role in preventing suicide.
- If you have been impacted by suicide, you have a powerful perspective on mental health. [Share your story and experiences]([link removed]) with us on our #TalkAwayTheDark website.

The message behind our Talk Away the Dark campaign doesn't end with Mental Health Awareness Month. We hope you take these tools and continue to use them beyond May, and share them with the people in your communities. Together, let's [#TalkAwayTheDark]([link removed]).

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
199 Water St. 11th Floor New York, NY 10038