As 2021 comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the past two years and the unprecedented upheaval we all have experienced personally, professionally, and socially due to the global pandemic. While we have faced unexpected challenges and stressful uncertainties, one thing I am grateful for is how we have come together as a community.

Thanks to the support of individuals like you, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) expanded its reach into communities across the country and forged even greater connections of support, education and awareness-building, and action. In the past year, staff and volunteers from AFSP’s 73 chapters delivered more than 2,000 education and support programs virtually to 115,000 attendees nationwide. Our Interactive Screening Program connected more than 180,000 people who were struggling to professional help. We continue to fund the world’s leading suicide prevention researchers with a total investment of $22 million for all current studies, and our volunteer advocates from all 50 states sent over 42,000 emails to legislative leaders to champion the passage of mental health and suicide prevention legislation. Individuals from across the country and around the globe had access to our digital education resources and virtual webinars due to your support of AFSP in challenging times.

While we are proud of the incredible strides made in building strong, safe communities, there is so much more that needs to be done.

As the pandemic persists, Americans are continuing to experience increased levels of anxiety and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), from August 2020 to February 2021, the percentage of adults with recent symptoms of an anxiety or a depressive disorder increased from 36.4% to 41.5%. Additionally, the percentage of those reporting an unmet mental health care need increased from 9.2% to 11.7%. This is particularly concerning as our research tells us that 90% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable and treatable mental health condition at the time of their death. The need for mental health care is increasing, and it is imperative that those in need of help (and the friends and family around them) are connected to the vital resources needed to find help and support.

Join me today in making a gift to support AFSP’s lifesaving work. Your gift to AFSP is a sound investment and we are committed to maximizing every donor dollar received. AFSP exceeds industry standards by keeping organizational expenses at 17% of our budget and we proudly receive an “A” rating from Charity Watch and the top rating of four stars from Charity Navigator.

Thank you for your steadfast dedication to suicide prevention and your partnership in saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.

Sincerely,