Advocates to Visit State Capitol to Request Resources to Help Fight Suicide

News provided by

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Jun 07, 2017, 16:27 ET

CONCORD, N.H., June 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Suicide is the 9th leading cause of death overall in New Hampshire. To help prevent this tragic loss of life, volunteer advocates from the New Hampshire chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are visiting the state capitol on Thursday, June 8 to convince their legislative leaders to make suicide prevention and mental health support a priority for the state. The advocates will also host a free lunch in which legislators and their staff members are invited to meet with constituents to hear their concerns in the lunchroom of the New Hampshire House Office Building.

"Our brain health is just as important as our heart health. It is time that mental health gets the same priority as physical health. We can help achieve this with the support of our legislators," said Lisa Riley, volunteer field ambassador with the AFSP New Hampshire chapter.

This is the first time AFSP is hosting a State Capitol Day in New Hampshire. Ms. Riley is part of a larger national movement of AFSP volunteer advocates who will be visiting 35 state capitols across the United States in spring 2017 to bring best practices in suicide prevention to state legislators.

Suicide in New Hampshire
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34 in New Hampshire, and the third leading cause of death for people aged 35-44. More residents of New Hampshire die by suicide than by homicide every year. On average one person dies by suicide every 39 hours in the state.

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, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. AFSP celebrates 30 years of service to the suicide prevention movement. 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.