This spring, thousands of volunteer AFSP Field Advocates will meet with public officials across the country as part of AFSP State Capitol Day events to share their personal connections to the cause, and support smart mental health and suicide prevention policy.

In 2021, AFSP advocates supported 174 pieces of state legislation and saw over 50 become law. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers in sharing their stories and educating lawmakers, legislation has been passed banning the practice of conversion therapy; expanding mental health parity; requiring mental health and suicide prevention policies for schools; and trainings and programming prioritizing suicide prevention among first responders and health care professionals.

AFSP is looking to host a State Capitol Day event in every state and the District of Columbia in 2022. The importance of these events cannot be understated, as over the next year the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will transition to a 3-digit dialing code, expanding access to crisis services for millions across the country, but leaving local crisis centers underfunded and understaffed. Join AFSP and our local chapters as we push for increased funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, to ensure that every individual in crisis has access to care!

We hope you’ll join us in making a difference during this year’s State Capitol Day events.