AFSP Suicide Prevention Advocates Hold First State Capitol Day in Dover

             Contact: Kat Olbrich (kolbrich@afsp.org)

AFSP Suicide Prevention Advocates Hold First State Capitol Day in Dover

DOVER, DE (March 19, 2019) – Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the eleventh leading cause of death in Delaware.  On Wednesday, March 20, advocates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will arrive at the state capitol to encourage lawmakers to prioritize suicide prevention initiatives for all Delaware residents. The event will include a “lunch and learn” for legislators and their staff from 12:00 – 2:00pm at the Chamber Meeting Rooms.

“As volunteers with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we have lived with mental health conditions and with suicide loss. As advocates, we have the opportunity to share those stories directly with the men and women we’ve elected to represent us in Delaware. As an advocate, one person truly can have a direct impact on public policy, legislation and fiscal priorities. Our personal stories are the most impactful tool we have,” said Victoria Sweeney AFSP Delaware Chapter Board Chair.

The AFSP Delaware State Capitol Day is a special day for all who have a connection with or a personal story around the topic of suicide. Volunteers will meet with their state legislators and share their stories about why they participate in this advocacy effort, giving a human face to this important health problem. Advocates hope that by sharing their stories, they will help legislators understand that state investments in mental health and suicide prevention can save lives.  

AFSP Delaware advocates are part of a larger national movement of AFSP volunteer advocates who will be visiting over 40 state capitols across the United States in 2019 to bring best practices in suicide prevention to state legislators and their staff. To learn more about AFSP’s advocacy efforts, visit here: https://afsp.org/our-work/advocacy/.

On average, 129 Americans died by suicide each day in 2017, and 90% of those individuals had a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death. AFSP volunteers will urge state lawmakers to be the voice for the thousands of Delaware residents affected by suicide each year.

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, with a Public Policy Office in Washington, D.C. 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.