Advocates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Visit Atlanta to Meet with Lawmakers

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Jan 13, 2016, 09:21 ET

ATLANTA, Jan. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. On average, one person dies by suicide every seven hours in Georgia. On Wednesday, January 13, 2016, advocates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will arrive at the state capitol to meet with lawmakers to thank them for passing the Jason Flatt Act in 2015 and encourage them to continue to support legislation that makes suicide prevention a priority.

"AFSP is grateful for the Georgia General Assembly's strong commitment to suicide awareness and prevention. The Jason Flatt Act of Georgia passed last Session with overwhelming support from both houses of the General Assembly and was signed into law by Governor Deal in May 2015. Passage of the Jason Flatt Act was a significant step forward in addressing the issue of youth and adolescent suicide in our state," said Roland Behm, chair of the board of directors of AFSP Georgia.

This is the first year that advocates will be visiting the state house in Georgia. The advocates are part of a larger national contingent of AFSP volunteers who will be visiting various state capitols across the United States in the spring of 2016 to bring best practices in suicide prevention to state legislators and their staff.

"Almost 1,300 people died by suicide in Georgia in 2014. Suicide touches everyone— all ages and incomes; all racial, ethnic, and religious groups; all genders and sexual orientations; and in all parts of the state. Research shows that each suicide death affects more than 100 persons and the emotional toll on those left behind can remain long after the suicide," said Chris Owens, AFSP Area Director for Georgia.

Suicide in Georgia
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 25-34 in Georgia, and the third leading cause of death for people aged 10-24. Suicide cost Georgia a total of $1,318,204,000 of combined lifetime medical and work loss cost in 2010, or an average of $1,163,463 per suicide death.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.