Suicide Prevention Advocates to Visit Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS (February 16, 2018) – Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, and it is the tenth leading cause of death in Indiana. On Tuesday, February 20, advocates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will arrive at the state capitol to meet with lawmakers to encourage them to support legislation for suicide prevention and mental health care in Indiana.

"Our participants are all community members that have an interest in preventing suicide. Each has been affected by suicide through the loss of a family member or friend, they struggle personally or they support someone who struggles with mental health. Each of their personal stories exemplifies the true impact that mental health conditions and suicide have on Hoosier families, schools, the workforce and communities. We know through research that suicide can be prevented. Mental health conditions are treatable when we are informed and proactive. With the support of our community leaders, we hope to make mental health a priority in Indiana, to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide," said Lisa Brattain, AFSP Indiana & Ohio Area Director.

This is the fourth State Capitol Day in Indiana. AFSP Indiana Chapter advocates are part of a larger national movement of AFSP volunteer advocates who will be visiting nearly 40 state capitols across the United States in 2018 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/.

Suicide in Indiana

Every nine hours another Hoosier is lost to suicide which ranks as the third leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 in the state. Across individuals aged 15-34 in Indiana, suicide is the second leading cause of death.

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, and 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.

Contact: Lisa Brattain (317) 517-5973; Lbrattain@afsp.org

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