Media Invited: Senator Jill Schupp To Be Awarded Allies in Action State Award By Nation's Largest Suicide Prevention Organization

News provided by

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Aug 28, 2017, 10:18 ET

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. On average, one person dies by suicide every eight hours in the state of Missouri. Just ahead of National Suicide Prevention Week, which is September 10-16, advocates from the three Missouri chapters of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will be presenting Senator Jill Schupp (the 24th Senate District in MO) with their State Award. Held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 6 at the St. Louis Renaissance Airport Hotel, this award presentation will recognize Senator Schupp for her leadership in suicide prevention and mental health.

"Senator Schupp is a true advocate in Missouri working tirelessly for the citizens of the state who have mental health needs. We are proud to present her with this prestigious award which she has earned through her hard work and dedication. Her continued leadership makes her a lifesaver and ally in AFSP's mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide," said John Madigan, vice president of public policy for AFSP. The awards program will include volunteers who have lost loved ones to suicide or who have their own lived experience with a suicide attempt.

Senator Schupp has made mental health a priority, including sponsoring SB 328 in 2015 and SB 646 in 2016. Provisions within SB 646 were ultimately signed into law, now requiring that Missouri school districts adopt youth suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention policies and encouraging suicide prevention training for licensed educators statewide. She also recognizes the need for regular training for health professionals in suicide assessment, treatment, and management, as made evident by her leadership in moving SB 490 forward during the 2017 session.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 6, 2017
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Reception
8 p.m. – 9 p.m. Award presentation ceremony

* National Suicide Prevention Week is September 10-16 *

WHERE: St. Louis Renaissance Airport Hotel
9801 Natural Bridge Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63134

RSVP: Media must RSVP for this event. Please rsvp Phyllis Blackwelder at [email protected] or (636) 395-3100.

Suicide in Missouri
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death overall in Missouri. For people aged 10-24 in Missouri, it is the third leading cause of death. For those aged 25-34, it is the second leading cause of death. On average one person dies by suicide every 8 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, 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.