American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

It's time we talk away the dark. Suicide is a topic that hides in the shadows. All too often it goes unaddressed, even when we may sense someone is struggling. It’s time we shed some light on this leading cause of death. In our brand new national public service announcement, we highlight some of the common warning signs for suicide and encourage you to start an open and honest conversation with someone you care about, and connect those at risk to help. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eRFw8efK. #TalkAwayTheDark #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #StopSuicide

April 11-17 is #BlackMaternalHealthWeek 💙 Black maternal health is a suicide prevention issue. At AFSP, we recognize the urgent need to address the intersection of Black maternal health and suicide prevention. By addressing these challenges together, we can move toward a future where all mothers receive the support, care, and compassion they deserve.

"For the first time, I didn’t feel like I had to be strong for anyone. I didn’t feel like I had to carry anyone else’s grief. I could simply be present with my own. I could grieve, heal, and share my feelings without guilt." Grief is heavy enough without the added weight of expectation. Taylor highlights the importance of allowing yourself to process loss in your own way — without guilt, without pressure, just honesty. Read her blog about her first Survivor Day experience here: https://lnkd.in/e4Q63b6G

AFSP’s Senior Director of Impact Communication and Continuous Improvement, Corbin J. Standley, PhD, joins Kristen Kaseeska, MPH, of the American Academy of Pediatrics, to support the Suicide Prevention Clinical ECHO program. ECHO emphasizes the critical role clinical-community partnerships play in identifying and supporting youth at risk for suicide. This program supports pediatric health clinicians and community partners in integrating the “Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention” in their respective settings. Learn more about this lifesaving project: https://lnkd.in/eK7Qsduc

I always enjoy working with Kristen Kaseeska, and writing this piece for the American Evaluation Association's AEA365 blog was no exception! In it, we highlight our collaborative Project ECHO work with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Our unique mixed-methods and adaptive approach to #evaluation and #qualityimprovement in our Clinical #SuicidePrevention ECHO cohorts has helped us to operationalize the Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention while meeting the needs of pediatric healthcare providers and driving impactful change. A key takeaway: "The ability to adapt evaluation methods in real-time may be an effective strategy to increase participation in QI and improve the quality of comprehensive health care to youth." Check it out! https://lnkd.in/gnZ4tbSA

Losing a sibling to suicide is complex. After losing his older brother Jason to suicide, Tom struggled to answer the question “Do you have any siblings?” “If I say that I have one sibling, it feels disloyal to the memory of my brother. If I say I have two, it feels dishonest to the reality I’ve existed in for the past five years,” shares Tom. Years later, as he is still coming to terms with the death of his brother, Tom is finally comfortable with answering that question with “I had a brother.” Read Tom’s story: https://lnkd.in/eaJVv_gu #NationalSiblingsDay

America’s mental health and substance use crisis requires bipartisan action. As a member of MHLG, AFSP urges Congress and the Administration to take action to protect the efforts addressing these crises and the vital role of SAMSHA. Read: https://lnkd.in/eWzuz5gV #AFSPadvocacy

We can't stop thinking about Papa Roach and Carrie Underwood's first live performance together in Las Vegas. The duo sang “Leave a Light on (Talk Away the Dark)," a song that generously and directly supports AFSP and those affected by suicide. Read: https://lnkd.in/gzCiPyFg

On #WorldHealthDay, we want to remind you that mental health is just as important as physical health.🧠✨💙