Reporting on suicide prevention
The latest statistics on suicide and guidance for journalists on how to report safely and accurately about suicide.
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Journalists looking to speak with an expert or with questions for their stories should fill out this form or call (747) 335-8150.
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Press Releases
AFSP DENOUNCES SUPREME COURT DECISION ON CONVERSION THERAPY
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Chiles v. Salazar to lift the Colorado state ban on conversion therapy. AFSP strongly opposes conversion therapy and remains dedicated to suicide prevention for the LGBTQ+ community.
Leading Researchers to Be Honored at Premier Suicide Prevention Gala in New York on May 7
Leading suicide researchers, Dr. Jane Pearson, Ph.D., and Dr. Holly Wilcox, Ph.D., will be recognized for their suicide research advancements at AFSP's 37th Annual Lifesavers Gala on May 7, 2026 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Digital Studio Helps Journalism, Entertainment and Social Media Sectors Drive Safe Storytelling on Suicide
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) today launched its Safe Storytelling Studio, a digital content hub with resources and guidance on suicide safe storytelling intended for the entertainment industry, journalists and social media creators.
Distinguished Media and Sports Figures to Be Honored at Premier Suicide Prevention Gala in New York on May 7
Distinguished media and sports figures will be honored for their work in advancing suicide prevention efforts at the 37th Annual Lifesavers Gala on May 7, 2026 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
AFSP Applauds Passage Of Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Labor, Health And Human Services, And Education Bill
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) welcomes the President’s signing of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill, which overall makes continued investments in suicide prevention, mental health, and crisis response across the nation.
Moxie Pest Control Awards $200,000 Grant to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Moxie Pest Control today announced it will award $100,000 annually for the next two years to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) — a $200,000 total commitment — to support suicide prevention awareness, education, and community engagement nationwide.
Find Hope and Community at the 2026 Overnight Walk in Chicago, Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) today announces and invites people affected by mental health and impacted by suicide the opportunity to participate June 13, 2026, in the 31st Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk taking place in Chicago.
AFSP APPLAUDS REVERSAL OF SAMHSA GRANT TERMINATION DECISIONS
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization in the U.S., commends the Administration for reversing its previous decision to terminate thousands of suicides prevention and mental health grants at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION URGES IMMEDIATE REVERSAL OF SAMHSA GRANT TERMINATIONS THAT SUPPORT LIFE-SAVING CARE IN COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the nation’s largest suicide prevention organization, is deeply alarmed by the Administration’s decision to terminate federal grants that fund critical suicide prevention and behavioral health services.
Leading Mental Heath Advocates to Be Honored at Premier Suicide Prevention Gala on May 7
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the largest private funder of suicide prevention research, today announced its 37th Annual Lifesavers Gala will take place on May 7, 2026 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Volunteer Advocates Mobilize Nationwide to Urge Lawmakers to Support State-level Suicide Prevention Policies
Hosted annually by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Advocacy Action Days are an opportunity for volunteers to share their experiences, bring hope to those affected by suicide, and urge lawmakers to advance state legislation and policies that support suicide prevention.
AFSP Partners with the NFL Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders to Highlight Mental Health in Sports
In November, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization, partnered with the NFL Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders to lead meaningful discussions on mental health in sports.
New Program Equips Medical Professionals to Support Early Intervention for Patients at Risk for Suicide
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization, launched Clinical Approach to Preventing Suicide: An Introduction (CAPS), a presentation designed to educate primary care and/or emergency healthcare professionals around their role in suicide prevention.
AFSP Podcast Series Launches with New Conversations on Research, Health Equity and Suicide Prevention Strategies
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization, launched its official podcast channel, showcasing a variety of expert guests and exploring new trending topics focused on mental health and suicide prevention.
Supportive and Healing Events Unite Suicide Loss Survivors Across the US, Globally and Virtually Ahead of Thanksgiving
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), one of the leading suicide research and prevention organizations in the U.S., will nurture community healing on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day on Saturday, November 22 through “Survivor Day” events.
New Program Equips Communities with Tools to Recognize and Respond to Suicide Risk Among Veterans
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization, launched Talk Saves Lives: Supporting Our Veterans, a presentation aimed to show how anyone can play a role in preventing veteran suicide.
AFSP Launches The Upright with Virtual Three-Part Series to Promote Health Equity and Foster Collaboration Among Suicide Prevention Experts
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization, recently launched The Upright, a collection of AFSP's resources — including research, programs, and policy — that aims to advance health equity in suicide prevention.
Papa Roach Celebrates Completion of U.S. Leg of 25th Anniversary “Rise of the Roach” Tour, Raising $230,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Multi-platinum rock band Papa Roach has officially wrapped the U.S. leg of their 25th Anniversary Rise of the Roach Tour — and they're ending it on a powerful note. The band announced today that they have raised $230,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
STATEMENT ON STRATEGY TO REDUCING SUICIDE BY FIREARMS
We established the goal to reduce the annual suicide rate by 20% by 2025 to drive urgency and action that saves lives.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Announces $8.5 Million Investment in Research Funding for Genetics, Neurobiology, Therapies, Interventions and More
AFSP announced 36 new research grants totaling $8.5 million, making the organization’s total research investment in FY 2026 more than $30 million.
LifeStance Health Foundation Partners with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to Advance Mental Health Research
LifeStance Health Foundation, an organization endowed by LifeStance that funds interventional research to address the biggest areas of opportunity in mental health, today announced a $100,000 grant to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Lola Young Joins Audacy's We Can Survive Lineup Starring Ed Sheeran, Goo Goo Dolls, Alex Warren and Shaboozey
Audacy’s sold-out 12th annual We Can Survive concert, presented by VEG, announces singer Lola Young will join Ed Sheeran, Goo Goo Dolls, Audacy LAUNCH artist Alex Warren and Shaboozey for its annual night of music supporting the company’s I'm Listening mental health initiative.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Reaches Over 188,000 Construction Workers with Hard Hat Courage Initiative
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) today announced that its Hard Hat Courage initiative has reached more than 188,000 craft and construction industry professionals with its suicide prevention education and awareness campaign since May 2025.
AFSP Offers Resources and Learning to Fight Suicide in Hispanic & Latine Communities this Hispanic Heritage Month
This Hispanic Heritage Month the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is encouraging Hispanic and Latine communities to support those who are struggling with their mental health through events and resources.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Earns Prestigious Recognition from Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) for Talk Saves Lives Program
AFSP’s flagship education program, Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention (TSL), recently earned recognition from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) on its Best Practices Registry (BPR).
AFSP Encourages Looking Out for Each Other for National Suicide Prevention Month By Walking and More
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and this year the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is underscoring looking out for each other by encouraging the public to join one of the hundreds of community Out of the Darkness Walks starting in September and going through the fall.
Audacy’s Annual “I’m Listening” Broadcast Returns This September
Audacy’s initiative, “I’m Listening,” continues to lead the national conversation on mental health with its annual broadcast special. In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 and National Suicide Prevention Month, all Audacy stations nationwide will air the “I’m Listening” broadcast that week.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Offers New Community-Based Program Supporting People Who Have Experienced a Loss to Suicide
Caring Communities: Guidance for Supporting Survivors of Suicide Loss is a new one-hour presentation, available in-person or virtually, designed to provide participants (age 18+) with information, resources, and practical guidance on how to support someone who has experienced a recent loss to suicide.
Ending the Federal LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Line is a Public Health Failure
Last month, the federal government announced it would eliminate the national suicide prevention hotline’s specialized services for LGBTQ+ callers — a decision that pulls vital support away from some of the most at-risk young people in America.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Denounces Harmful Medicaid Cuts That Undermine Suicide Prevention Efforts
Today, the United States Congress voted to strip millions of Americans of their health insurance amid an ongoing national mental health emergency at a time when rates of depression, anxiety, addiction and suicidal crises are high.
Protect Medicaid for People with Mental Health Conditions and Substance Use Disorders
We continue to be deeply concerned that cutting Medicaid funding or benefits, as well as imposing burdensome eligibility and work requirements, would disproportionately harm people with mental health (MH) conditions and substance use disorders (SUD).
Four Leading Advocacy Organizations Call on House to Not Pass Reconciliation Bill, Medicaid Cuts Would Be “Devastating” for Mental Health
Joint Statement by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Inseparable, Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness
AFSP Launches Spanish Website to Deepen Understanding, Resources, and Support to Spanish-Speaking Populations
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has launched a new Spanish-language website at es.afsp.org in anticipation of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month celebrated in July.
AFSP Urges Congress to Reconsider Cuts to Critical Life-Saving Service for LGBTQ+ Youth
AFSP stands with all those in the mental health community strongly urging Congress to reverse this decision and continue funding these critical, life-saving services for LGBTQ+ youth within the 988 Lifeline.
Victor R. Armstrong Sr., MSW, to Receive NASW National Social Worker of the Year Award
NASW Member and well-known suicide prevention advocate Victor R. Amstrong, Sr., MSW, has been selected as the 2025 National Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
AFSP Mobilizes for Suicide Prevention, Calls on Congress for Urgent Action to Address Veteran and Health Care Worker Suicide
Nearly 250 Volunteer Advocates from across the country will gather at the nation’s capital to learn about and advocate for lifesaving suicide prevention and mental health policies from June 22-25, 2025, for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Annual Advocacy Forum.
Five Leading Advocacy Organizations Condemn Medicaid Cuts, Urge Senate to Safeguard Access to Mental Health Care and Substance Use Treatment
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to strip millions of Americans of their health insurance amid an ongoing national mental health emergency.
Letter From the Ceo Alliance for Mental Health to Congress
Our nation stands at a critical juncture and a potential tipping point. We have the opportunity to make strategic decisions and create a future-ready system that increases accessibility, affordability, and accountability.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG and the Utility Expo Partner with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to Promote Mental Health Awareness Across the Construction Industry
CONEXPO-CON/AGG and The Utility Expo, the premier trade shows for the construction and utility sectors, are proud to announce a new partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
AFSP Calls for More Walkers to its Overnight Walk for Suicide Prevention to Raise $3.5 Million Goal to #StopSuicide
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization, is hosting the 30th Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk, its flagship fundraising event, on June 21, 2025, in New York City.
AFSP Encourages Building Resilience This Mental Health Awareness Month
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is encouraging people to build mental health resilience in communities nationwide by going beyond the basics of self-care.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Hosts 36th Annual Lifesavers Gala
On May 1, 2025, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will hold its 36th annual Lifesaver’s Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Presents Prestigious Recognition to Pioneering and Innovative Researchers
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the largest private funder of suicide prevention research globally, will honor its 2025 Research Award recipients at its annual awards event on April 30 in New York City.
Trump Administration Proposes Defunding Suicide Lifeline for LGBTQ+ Youth Beginning October 2025
A leaked budget draft revealed the federal government has proposed to eliminate all funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services – a federal program that provides emergency crisis support to LGBTQ+ youth considering suicide – effective October 1, 2025.
AFSP Supports Comprehensive Approach to Suicide Prevention in FY 26 Federal Funding Priorities
To continue a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention, we request support for key initiatives currently within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Health Resources and Services Administration.
AFSP Celebrates National Volunteer Week by Shining Light on Volunteers at the Forefront of Suicide Prevention Nationwide
This National Volunteer Week (April 20-26), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) celebrates the unwavering contributions of its national volunteer network, with 73 chapters across the country, including in Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Statement from Leading Mental Health and Substance Use Organizations on Drastic HHS Staffing Reductions
Our nation continues to face ongoing mental health, overdose, and suicide crises. As a country, we must ensure the functions of HHS and its agencies are able to continue their missions unimpeded to support the mental health of our communities.
Nation’s Mental Health Leaders Express Concern About Proposed Cuts to SAMHSA
The CEO Alliance for Mental Health is deeply concerned about potential cuts to SAMHSA that would interrupt services for people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders – cuts that have the potential to cause widespread harm to our communities.
Construction CEOs Set Agenda to Tackle Suicide in Construction Industry
Top executives from America's largest construction companies and unions hosted the inaugural CEO Advisory Council meeting focused on preventing suicides in the construction industry.
Join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in NYC for its 30th Overnight Walk
The Overnight fosters a much-needed community for all of those on a journey to find healing, solidarity and understanding. Walkers form lifelong friendships and discover new ways to continue to contribute to this important cause, including volunteering with their local AFSP Chapters.
AFSP Launches Toolkit for Firearms Instructors Aimed at Suicide Prevention
AFSP calls firearms instructors to join lifesaving efforts through firearms education and safety.
Voodoo Doughnut Announces “Blueberry Lemon Fritter” to Support American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Voodoo Doughnut, the trailblazing purveyor of unique and handcrafted doughnuts, is proud to continue its partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), one of the leading research and prevention organizations in the U.S.
AFSP’s Advocacy Action Days: Advocates Urge State Support for Suicide Prevention Legislation, Encourage Allies to Join
In 2025, AFSP’s Advocacy Action Day events include support for firearms suicide prevention, increased access to care and services, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and supporting underserved and disproportionately impacted communities, including youth and LGBTQ populations.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Announces New Members to the National Board of Directors and Scientific Council in 2025
Four new members are joining the National Board of Directors, bringing the total membership to 27. Three new members joined the Scientific Council bringing that total to 17.
Study Sheds Light on Social Drivers That Increase Risk of Suicide
Yale School of Medicine and VA Connecticut Healthcare System researchers compared social determinants of health in relation to the risk of suicide, a major global public health issue and one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Promoting Safe Reporting on Suicide at the SXSW Conference: Five Recommendations for Responsible Journalism
Journalists wield significant influence and research strongly suggests that when journalists adhere to ethical reporting, like centering stories of hope and promoting mental health resources, more people are likely to seek help.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Awarded 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator awarded AFSP its highest honor: a Four-Star rating. It recognizes AFSP’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
Top Construction CEOs Join Industry-Wide Initiative to Combat Suicide Among Workers in Construction
The establishment of the CEO Advisory Council signifies a strong commitment to bringing stakeholders together and maximizing the collective efforts of its members.
National Poll on Perceptions of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Reveals Most U.S. Adults Believe Suicide is Preventable
Nine out of 10 people in the U.S. believe that suicide can be prevented at least sometimes, showing an incredible shift in public understanding about suicide
Encuesta Nacional sobre Percepciones de la Salud Mental y la Prevención del Suicidio revela que la mayoría de los adultos estadounidenses creen que el suicidio se puede prevenir
Los grupos afectados de manera desproporcionada tienen más probabilidades de conocer a alguien que ha pensado en suicidarse, ha intentado suicidarse o se suicidó, y algunos tienen más probabilidades de comunicarse con el 988
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Announces $7.6 Million Investment in Research
uch of what is known about suicide comes from research funded by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Record Number of Licensure Boards and Hospitals Take Action to Prevent Suicide for the Healthcare Workforce
Like everyone, health workers deserve the right to pursue mental health care without fear of losing their job.
Statement from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to Reporters Covering the News Regarding Jon Bon Jovi
News outlets are urged to use best practices for ethically reporting on suicide.
MITER Foundation announces partnership with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The two organizations will collaborate to educate MITER Brands team members on common risk factors and warn signs associated with suicide, and providing guidance on how to keep themselves and others safe.
AUDACY’S ANNUAL “I’M LISTENING” BROADCAST RETURNS SEPTEMBER 25
Delivering Fresh Insights, Resources and Lifesaving Conversations
AFSP Applauds New Parity Rule Enforcing Parity in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Coverage
We commend the Biden administration for taking this important step to ensure greater equity and help prevent suicide.