Suicide Prevention Has Reached a Tipping Point in America

News provided by

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Nov 16, 2015, 01:44 ET

Volunteers from all 50 states and District of Columbia holding letters that spell out the new mission statement from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, "To Save Lives and Bring Hope to those Affected By Suicide".

NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the nation's largest suicide prevention organization, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, announces an expansion of its Chapters to all 50 states and celebrates the launch of its new mission statement to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Both changes support AFSP's 10-year goal to reduce the suicide rate 20 percent by 2025.

"As we welcome more people to our cause, engage in meaningful partnerships, and expand the scope of our work, I'm pleased to announce a mission statement that encapsulates both the relentless spirit and the purpose of the work we do," said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. "Additionally, with volunteers in all 50 states we now have a way to deliver suicide prevention and education programs nationwide. This has never been done before, and is a critical step towards achieving our bold new goal."

The organization was formed in 1987 by a small group of researchers and families who wanted to take action against this leading cause of death, and has since grown into a movement of over a million people across the country that lead the fight against suicide.

With the chartering of its 83rd Chapter in Delaware, AFSP now has at least one Chapter in every state to support the needs of the local community. In just the last 10 years, AFSP has grown from 14 Chapters to 83 Chapters, and it continues to grow each year.

Today, our AFSP Chapters are creating a culture that's smart about mental health by raising awareness through community walk events and fundraising for suicide prevention. As a result, AFSP is the largest private funder of suicide research today, and provides education, advocacy and support programs nationwide for the cause.

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.