National Volunteer Week: Honoring the Doers of Suicide Prevention through AFSP

As part of National Volunteer Week from April 20-26, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) takes the spotlight to recognize the tremendous contributions made by its volunteer network across the United States. With 73 chapters extending from Washington, D.C. to Puerto Rico, AFSP has established itself as a leading organization in the fight against suicide, largely thanks to its passionate community of supporters and advocates.

Volunteers are the backbone of AFSP’s mission, working tirelessly to enhance public education, research, advocacy, and fundraising efforts centered around suicide prevention. One notable volunteer, LaKeitha Phillips from the AFSP Virginia Chapter, shares her experience. “In the past year, I have had the blessing to present programs like Talk Saves Lives and L.E.T.S. Save Lives all across the country,” she explains. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my personal story can influence someone, potentially saving a life. I am living proof that the techniques we teach really do make a difference.”

Bob Gebbia, CEO of AFSP, echoes the sentiment, stating, “Our achievements in saving lives would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers. They are integral to everything we do.” This week, AFSP expresses gratitude to volunteers engaged in various capacities, from educational programs to policy advocacy.

AFSP invites everyone to join this essential movement. By visiting afsp.org/volunteer, individuals can learn how to contribute, including participating in the AFSP 101 Volunteer Orientation scheduled for April 24 at 7 p.m. ET. This introductory session will delve into the organization’s mission and the many ways to help.

Community Impact through Public Education

Public education remains a fundamental aspect of AFSP’s mission. Volunteers leading these initiatives help in disseminating crucial knowledge about suicide prevention. One successful program, Talk Saves Lives™, reached 290,000 individuals last year, providing scientifically-backed information about suicide risk and prevention strategies, tailored to various demographics, including the Hispanic and Black communities.

Supporting individuals who have lost someone to suicide is another integral function of AFSP volunteers. The Healing Conversations program, which allows those grieving a loss to connect with trained peers, trained nearly 500 volunteers and reached 6,700 loss survivors in the past year alone. These personal connections help foster healing and provide vital resources to those in need.

Research Contribution and Advocacy Efforts

The AFSP Scientific Council, rounded out by more than 250 volunteer experts, helps steer research initiatives and scrutinizes grant applications every year. Their voluntary contributions are crucial for funding trailblazing studies and optimizing programs, with AFSP allocating $7.5 million to support 34 research projects in 2024.

Advocacy is a powerful tool in AFSP’s arsenal to effect change in mental health policies across federal, state, and local levels. Volunteer advocates prioritize personal experience in pushing for legislation that supports suicide prevention. In 2024, nearly 2,000 advocates participated in Advocacy Action Day, which included over 300 legislative meetings. Their collective efforts contributed to the enactment of 20 state-level suicide prevention laws.

Connecting Through Fundraising Walks

Hundreds of thousands have also participated in AFSP’s Out of the Darkness Walks, where volunteers engage their communities in conversations about mental health and raise funds to combat suicide. In 2024, AFSP organized over 600 walks across the nation, totalling $23 million raised from community events, alongside another $1.9 million from campus walks and $3.4 million from the acclaimed Overnight Walk, marking a historic fundraising achievement since the event’s inception.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention thrives because of its dedicated network of volunteers devoted to saving lives and fostering hope. Every one of these individuals plays an essential role in advancing AFSP’s mission, whether through public education, research, advocacy, or fundraising efforts. As National Volunteer Week unfolds, there’s no better time to acknowledge their dedication and consider how you can contribute to this invaluable cause. Together, let’s inspire hope and work toward preventing suicide.

To learn more about AFSP and its initiatives or to become a volunteer, follow AFSP on social media platforms or register for their upcoming orientation. Together, we can make a difference.