We need to talk about suicide

Me with Candace, AFSP NYC Executive Director and Sarah, Co-Chair of the Advocacy & Public Policy Committee

​In 1987, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)​ was established to give those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death. 

I am proud to serve as a member of the NYC Advocacy & Public Policy Committee for AFSP. We help advocate for legislation and funding related to mental health and suicide prevention.

On March 11, 2026, AFSP and the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS) will partner on Mental Health Matters Day at the New York State capitol. This event brings together mental health professionals, advocates, students, educators, first responders, AFSP volunteers and members of MHANYS, representing communities throughout the state of New York. Advocates will meet with state public officials and their staffers to talk about how we can and must work together to prevent suicide. We will share why suicide prevention is important to us, educate them about the work being done in our communities to prevent suicide and ask them to take action to support AFSP’s policy priorities and prevent suicide.

During last year’s AFSP Advocacy Action Day in Albany, NY, my fellow volunteers and I lobbied to obtain support and funding for bills related to college student suicide prevention, New York State bridge barriers, and the 988 crisis hotline. This is a free, confidential 24/7 hotline for people who are struggling, feeling down or have a plan to die

One myth is that talking about suicide will lead to someone taking their life. What talking about it actually does is let the person know that you care enough to say something. AFSP has a campaign called “seize the awkward” and provides exact phrases you can use to begin conversations that may be hard to start. You could save someone’s life simply by talking to them and encouraging them to seek help. 

Suicide is too common, but there are many things you can do that use your unique talents.

• If you enjoy public speaking, you can become an educator. You take a training course and they provide you with a slide deck and notes to use in presentations.
• If you enjoy fundraising, you can volunteer to help plan or raise funds for one of AFSP’s many events like their Out of the Darkness walks. 
• You can reach out to your loved ones with a call or text.
• You can post about the 988 crisis hotline on social media. 
• You can sign up as an AFSP volunteer advocate to receive action alerts and easily email your federal and state public officials. 

Message me if you’re interested in learning more. I hope you will join me to prevent suicide. ​🛟

Left: In the gorgeous Legislative Building
Top Middle: With Missy, AFSP Capital Region NY Chapter Area Director
​Bottom Right: With Ann, AFSP Long Island Executive Director