Volunteer Advocates from 14 States Head to the Nation’s Capital to Fight for Suicide Prevention

WASHINGTON (Sept. 1, 2026) – Suicide prevention Volunteer Advocates with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization, are making strides towards advancing lifesaving legislation and meeting with Congress members and their staff for AFSP’s Capitol Hill Fly-In Event from September 16-18. Last month, Congress passed the Youth Poisoning Protection Act (H.R. 1442/S. 289), a bill endorsed by AFSP and its Volunteer Advocates that reduces access to lethal means, which is now awaiting the President’s signature. While this legislation is important in the fight against suicide, advocacy is needed in many other critical areas. 

Sponsored by the AFSP Illinois chapter for the second year, and held during National Suicide Prevention Month, this year’s Fly-In event will convene 17 Volunteer Advocates from 14 states who will share their stories of loss and lived experience while urging members of Congress to support the following: 

Funding Priorities 

• Robust funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ($549.6M)  

• Increased investment in CDC’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program ($38M) 

• Strong support for the National Institute of Mental Health ($2.548B) 

Legislative Priorities 

• Barriers to Suicide Act (H.R. 3505) and suicide-specific barriers language in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization package 

• Saving Our Veterans Lives Act (H.R.1987/S. 926)  

Volunteer Advocates represent 14 states, six of which received funding through the CDC’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program (CSP), which funds programs to implement and evaluate a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention, with attention to populations that have high or increasing rates of suicide. See the latest 2024 CDC WISQARS data for state suicide rates. The following states are CSP recipients: 

• Connecticut (Suicide rate: 10% increase 2023-2024): Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board 

• Illinois (Suicide rate: 8% decrease 2023-2024): Illinois Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program 

• Michigan (Suicide rate: 8% decrease 2023-2024): Michigan Department of Health and Human Services 

• Nebraska (Suicide rate: 3% increase 2023-2024): University of Nebraska Public Policy Center in partnership with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services – Injury Prevention Program 

• Texas (Suicide rate: 0% change 2023 -2024): San Antonio University Health System 

• Wisconsin (Suicide rate: 1% decrease 2023-2024): Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program 

Through increased investment in CSP, more states can address their high or increasing rates of suicide by identifying gaps in existing suicide prevention programs and implementing and evaluating complementary strategies. 

Volunteer Advocates from the following states will also be in attendance:  

• Alaska (Suicide rate: 6% increase 2023-2024) 

• Arizona (Suicide rate: 2% decrease 2023-2024) 

• Kansas (Suicide rate: 8% decrease 2023-2024) 

• Mississippi (Suicide rate: 3% decrease 2023-2024) 

• Missouri (Suicide rate: 1% decrease 2023-2024) 

• Montana (Suicide rate: 1% increase 2023-2024) 

• Washington (Suicide rate: 8% decrease 2023-2024) 

• West Virginia (Suicide rate: 11% decrease 2023-2024)  

“The Capitol Hill Fly-In brings the power of personal stories directly to the policymaking process,” said Laurel Stine, AFSP EVP and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer. “Volunteer Advocates come to Washington, D.C. prepared to share their stories, meet with members of Congress and their staff, and to make the case for evidence-based policies and sustained federal investments that can save lives. Their passion and advocacy help turn those conversations into meaningful policy change and underscore why suicide prevention must be a national priority.” 

While this event is by invitation only, interested advocates can still participate in AFSP’s Advocacy Actions Days kicking off in January 2027 at state capitals across the country and the Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C. in early summer 2027, besides taking action year-round. Visit AFSP’s Action Center to get involved. 

As of late July, 34 bills supported at AFSP’s 2026 Advocacy Action Days have been enacted. Additionally, AFSP’s 2026 Advocacy Forum bills have received 37 new cosponsors.  

“Illinois is fortunate to have members of Congress who consistently support AFSP’s efforts to prevent suicide and promote mental health,” said Angela Cummings, AFSP Illinois chapter executive director. “Our chapter’s donors have prioritized these efforts and have enabled our chapter to sponsor this Legislative Fly-In for other state advocates.” 

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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public 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 its Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, 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, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.  

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Jed Foundation (JED) intend to merge as equals to form AFSP/JED, the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to preventing suicide across the lifespan, and bringing hope to those affected by suicide loss or risk.  The AFSP/JED mission would reflect a commitment to bring together AFSP’s research, advocacy, chapter network, and loss-support expertise with JED’s comprehensive approach to suicide prevention and evidence-informed youth mental health programs, creating greater scale, reach, and impact at a time of urgent national need. Read more about our recent announcement. 

Media interested in speaking with AFSP on this news are encouraged to fill out this press request form and explore AFSP’s Safe Storytelling Studio for ethical reporting guidance.