Suicide prevention research
We support strategic investments in suicide prevention, education, and research to help lower the rate of suicide.
About the issue
Suicide prevention research has been underfunded by the federal government for a number of years. As the largest private funder of suicide prevention research, AFSP is aware of the positive solutions that research can yield. In order to prevent suicide, a concerted effort and investment in suicide prevention research must be made.
Where we stand
AFSP supports strategic investments in suicide prevention, education, and research as a means of achieving the kinds of reductions in mortality that have resulted from strategic investments in other major public health concerns.
Strong and sustained federal investment in suicide prevention programs, research, and surveillance is critical to supporting suicide prevention activities at several key federal agencies. Federal funding also supports suicide prevention activities at the state and local levels through grant programs.
- Advocate for legislation and increased research funds for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), expansion of suicide prevention research centers, and the promotion of suicide prevention research within key institutes and centers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Support funding for suicide prevention programming at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including the Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program and National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS).
- Advance investments in suicide prevention and mental health programming at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and other federal agencies indicated in the NSSP Federal Action Plan (see SAMHSA grant programs).
Additional resources
- AFSP's Research Connection
- AFSP Research Videos
- National Institutes of Health the Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools (RePORT)- Estimates of Funding for Various Research, Condition, and Disease Categories.
- A Prioritized Research Agenda for Suicide Prevention: An Action Plan to Save Lives was published in 2014 by the Research Prioritization Task Force within the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.