Support for suicide prevention has never been more critical to the nation’s overall health and well-being than it is today. Elevating our nation’s understanding of mental health and how we can all play a role in preventing suicide is imperative. We must ensure that resources and support are accessible and available for all those who need it.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has made great strides this past year to advance access to critical, life-saving suicide prevention resources. Our network of 74 chapters delivered more than 2,000 programs virtually and in-person with the help of our staff and volunteers. In addition to our flagship education program Talk Saves Lives and specialized modules for workplace settings, Veterans, the LGBTQ community and others, AFSP launched Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Latinx and Hispanic Communities, a presentation designed to create conversations in these communities around mental health and encourage those who are struggling to seek help.

Healing Conversations, AFSP's volunteer-led peer-to-peer support program for survivors of suicide loss received a 30% increase in requests this past year, and continued to provide caring support, resources, and connection for participants. As the largest private funder of suicide prevention research, AFSP funded 37 new studies that will help shape suicide prevention for decades to come. Additionally, our more than 40,000 volunteer field advocates helped pass 30 mental health and suicide prevention bills, including legislation that made possible the launch of the 988 suicide prevention and mental health crisis line.

All of this was possible thanks to your investment in the mission of AFSP, but we need your continued partnership.

As the challenges and uncertainties caused by the pandemic continue, Americans are reporting increased depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts particularly among youth and young adults, caregivers, frontline workers, and LGBTQ people. Suicide is the 12^th leading cause of death in the U.S. and we are still uncertain what the long-term effects of the pandemic will be. It is more important than ever to stay vigilant and prioritize mental health and suicide prevention for all. But we can’t do it without your help.

Join me in making a gift to support AFSP in prioritizing mental health and ensuring suicide prevention resources and programs are accessible to all.

Your gift to AFSP is a sound investment and we maximize every donor dollar received. We exceed industry standards by keeping fundraising and administrative expenses at 20% of our budget. We continue to receive an “A” rating from Charity Watch and a top rating of four stars from Charity Navigator.

Thank you for joining us in making help available and for bringing hope to those affected by suicide. We are grateful for your support and appreciate everything you are doing to prevent suicide – and save lives.

Sincerely,

Robert Gebbia, CEO