help save lives
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, taking nearly 50,000 lives every year.
As a mental health advocate and educator, I am proud to volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the Jed Foundation.
As a member of the Advocacy & Public Policy Committee, I meet with federal and New York State elected officials and their staff. We provide information about and rally support for legislation that promotes mental health and suicide prevention. In my role as a trained presenter, I give educational programs to corporations and community groups. These discussions help people learn how they can save lives, support those at risk, and support someone who has experienced a recent loss to suicide.
I was honored when my friend and Advocacy & Public Policy Committee Co-Chair, Dr. Hossein Fattahi, asked me to join a project he is co-leading. The United for Healthcare Suicide Prevention (UHSP) team is raising funds for AFSP’s Out of the Darkness Queens/Brooklyn Walk. UHSP is a growing community of healthcare professionals, students, trainees, families, colleagues, and supporters united around one mission: supporting healthcare worker mental health and suicide prevention.
UHSP began by bringing together Iranian healthcare organizations as collaborators around a shared commitment to supporting those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. What began within one community reflects a mission that belongs to all of us, and UHSP welcomes people of every background who want to be part of it.
I am participating in the walk taking place on October 4th. Funds raised for this event will help AFSP fund research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss.
There are several ways that YOU can join me to help save lives:
#1) Attend my free educational presentation on suicide prevention.
Talk Saves Lives™ takes place virtually on Thursday, Sept. 10th at 2:00 - 3:00 pm EST / 1:00 - 2:00 pm CDT. Register for this program today.
Attendees will learn:
the latest research on suicide prevention
how to recognize warning signs
how to have a conversation with someone you’re concerned about
where you can get help for yourself or others
In 2025, Talk Saves Lives earned recognition from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center on its Best Practices Registry. The program is advancing suicide prevention with 94% of program participants indicating a likelihood of contacting a crisis service for themselves or others, a 43% increase compared to before attending the program.
#2) Donate to AFSP.
Donating online is safe and easy. We are grateful for donations of any size. Thank you for your consideration. Click here for my fundraising page.
Examples of what your donation can do:
$10: Distributes one Depression and Bipolar Awareness educational program
$50: Provides AFSP educational materials to 25 people
$100: Brings “It's Real: Teens and Mental Health” Program to a high school
83 Cents of every donor dollar directly supports AFSP’s four focus areas: Research, Advocacy, Education, and Support. AFSP has an “A” rating from Charity Watch and top rating of four stars from Charity Navigator.
#3) Become a Volunteer Advocate.
You will join a vital part of a large grassroots movement of people who are speaking out for suicide prevention and mental health at all levels of government. Monthly email updates from AFSP’s Policy & Advocacy Office will alert you to the legislation and policies that need your support. The email links you to the AFSP Action Center, where you can then demand action from your federal and state public officials. Join our network of thousands of volunteer Advocates across the country who are speaking out and fighting for essential policy changes that will save lives.
I’m so glad I signed up for this important volunteer opportunity. When I receive one of their emails, it literally takes less than 60 seconds to click the link, and then submit letters to my legislators.
Click here to register as an AFSP Volunteer Advocate.
#4) Join a Community Walk near you.
These walks raise awareness, help people support each other, honor and remember loved ones, and fund critical efforts to protect mental health and prevent suicide. Registration is free and you do not have to fundraise to join. I’ve attended two Out of the Darkness Walks in the past couple of years. I participated in the fundraising aspect of the first one and raised $500. The second one I attended as a volunteer to serve as support with setup, teardown and ensuring the top fundraisers tent was well maintained throughout the day. The program includes an opening ceremony, activities of hope and healing, resource tables, and complimentary honor beads for every participant. Find a Community Walk near you.
AFSP’s 2024 Out of the Darkness Walk in Manhattan
#5) Help spread the word.
Share this article, and/or information from it on social media, in your group’s Whatsapp chats, in an email or text message.
Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or videocall with a caring counselor
National Suicide Prevention Month information from 988
Suicide Prevention Month information from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 information from the World Health Organization (WHO)
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Jed Foundation
Suicide can be prevented through research, advocacy, education, and support. YOU can help save lives. Take good care of yourself.
