AFSP Alaska Field Advocate, Jim Biela, was first inspired to champion suicide prevention and mental health legislation after the death of his friend. Jim now leads Alaska’s Annual State Capitol Day event where he and other AFSP volunteer Field Advocates share their personal stories with elected officials to push for policy informed by Alaska’s unique mental health needs.

State Capitol Day Events are taking place across the U.S. during 2022 and we need your voice!

After Jim and several other AFSP volunteer Field Advocates spoke with lawmakers about their connections to the cause in Alaska, the state legislature passed the Jason Flatt Act: a law mandating annual suicide prevention training for teachers across the state. Jim said of his experience:

“To sit down with lawmakers and share your story about the loss that you had…I think it’s really comforting. We all have our own stories, and we all know someone who died by suicide. Even though we don’t want to talk about it, it’s helpful to talk about the stories that we have.” (Watch Jim talk about advocacy in the Alaskan Native Community.)

Your story has the power to help save lives. We hope you’ll join us for a 2022 State Capitol Day event in your state! 

To discover State Capitol Day events in your area, find your local AFSP chapter.