At

AFSP

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, our mission is to save lives and bring hope tothose affected by suicide.

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This year has been full of unexpected challenges and uncertainties. The globalpandemic has impacted the emotional and economic well-being of manyindividuals and families, and affected the mental health of our nation.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the need for mental health services hassubstantially increased. In March, the Disaster Distress Helpline at theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration saw an 891% increasein calls compared to the same time last year. In August, the CDC reported thata third of respondents to a survey on mental health said they wereexperiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. 81% of people surveyed in aHarris Poll co-sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention andthe National Action Alliance said that as a result of the pandemic, it is moreimportant than ever to make suicide prevention a national priority.

We are concerned about the long-term psychological consequences of thepandemic. We know increases in suicide are not a foregone conclusion if we actnow to mitigate risk and support the mental health of our friends, families,and neighbors. But we need your help.

As the nation’s leading suicide prevention organization, the AmericanFoundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringinghope to those affected by suicide. From the start of the pandemic, we havebeen an important voice on caring for one’s mental health.

Here are just a few recent examples of how AFSP is meeting the needs of thecommunity during COVID-19:

Delivered more than 500 suicide prevention education and loss and healing programs virtually through our 73 chapters across the United States, including Talk Saves Lives, AFSP’s most used public education program

Brought attention to the mental health needs of healthcare workers on the frontline of the virus, through partnerships with national medical organizations

Intensified advocacy efforts aimed at improving the response to mental health emergencies during COVID-19, including increased funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the designation of an easy-to-remember 3-digit phone number (988) for people in crisis

Funded 38 new suicide prevention research studies since the pandemic, bringing our total current investment to $20 million, with 100 ongoing studies

In the weeks and months ahead, we are counting on your support to meet the newchallenges presented by the coronavirus, and to continue the life-saving workthat began when we were founded more than 30 years ago.

Please join me to #Give2AFSP and ensure our programs, research, advocacy, andsupport to those affected by suicide continue uninterrupted.

Sincerely,

Robert Gebbia

CEO

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

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