Have you contributed to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Million in May fundraising campaign yet?

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and in addition to putting a focus on the concept of resilience, we’ve set an ambitious goal to raise a Million in May: funds that will go toward research, advocacy, loss support, education programs, and more.

Part of what aids our collective resilience is the community we build through our local chapters all across the country, and our network of dedicated volunteers, many of whom have a direct personal connection to this cause.

Ericka Llerena of AFSP’s National Capital Area Chapter knows firsthand the strength and love that can be found through AFSP. Ericka found her way to AFSP after her 16-year-old daughter came to her the night before Mother’s Day, telling her she didn’t want to be alive anymore. Finding resources, support, and comfort for both herself and her daughter, Ericka became an active volunteer, and recently trained to be a presenter for AFSP’s new education program Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for the Latinx and Hispanic Communities:

“The love and support of the community of AFSP volunteers has helped me in ways I cannot express, through such a difficult time in my family’s life. Growing up in a Hispanic household has many blessings associated with it. But one particular way I have found purpose is to help break the taboos that still often exist regarding mental health in the Hispanic community. My hope is that by sharing my personal experience, and combining it with the information and statistics presented, we can move the needle in normalizing how our wonderful community sees mental health and suicide prevention.”

You can read Ericka’s full story in AFSP’s 2024 Annual Report, where you can also learn about the impactful work taking place across all our programs, events, partnerships, and initiatives.

We need your support in continuing our important work that helps so many. This Mother’s Day, make a difference by helping us reach our goal of a Million in May. Thanks to funds from a generous donor and dedicated AFSP volunteer, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000 for all donations made now through May 31.

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