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). 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.