Advocacy Action Days: Advocates Push for Suicide Prevention Laws Across the U.S.

Advocacy Action Days: A Critical Push for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is making significant strides in combating the tragedy of suicide through its annual Advocacy Action Days, held from January to May each year. During these events, passionate advocates from all walks of life gather to engage with state officials, share personal narratives of loss and survival, and push for impactful policies aimed at suicide prevention.

These Advocacy Action Days are vital as they provide a platform for AFSP’s volunteers to meet face-to-face with lawmakers, conveying the urgency of legislative measures aimed at preventing suicide. Through powerful storytelling and compelling testimonies from those affected by suicide, advocates have successfully influenced key legislative decisions. Impactful moments unfold in every state as advocates unite—suicide loss survivors and allies alike—pursuing meaningful changes to state policies and laws.

Since the inception of these advocacy days, AFSP has seen tangible outcomes including the enactment of bills that mandate mental health services and training in K-12 institutions, establish a 988 crisis response hotline funded by telecom fees, and create do-not-sell firearm registries aimed at reducing suicides involving firearms. This year, AFSP continues to focus its advocacy efforts on ensuring greater accessibility to mental health care and supporting underserved communities—including youth and LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing higher rates of suicide.

One inspiring testimony comes from Karen Carreira, an advocate with the AFSP Massachusetts Chapter, who turned her grief into action following the loss of her son to suicide. Attending her first Advocacy Action Day was a turning point for her. She has since devoted herself to advocacy work, providing testimonies and participating in local legislative efforts to promote suicide prevention awareness. Her push for including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on student ID cards is a testament to AFSP's proactive engagement in legislative processes.

The priorities for 2025's Advocacy Action Days include backing legislation that enhances access to mental health services and firearms safety initiatives tailored for suicide prevention. The nationwide efforts resonate with AFSP's commitment to include all communities affected by suicide and underscores a drive for upstream prevention and treatment policies.

Laurel Stine, AFSP's executive vice president and chief policy officer, stated, “The change that our advocates drive each year is real. Everyone has a part to play in suicide prevention, and we are grateful for the dedication and bravery exhibited by our volunteers.” Last year, about 2,000 advocates converged at state capitals, generating over 300 legislative discussions across 45 states.

As part of the broader Advocacy network, thousands of individuals are encouraged to join AFSP chapters, become advocates, and participate in state-level events to help advance legislative priorities aimed at suicide prevention. Interested community members can learn more and get involved at AFSP's Action Center at afsp.org/actioncenter.

In a time when mental health matters more than ever, the work of organizations like AFSP is essential in changing public perceptions, educating communities, and fostering a supportive environment for all individuals. Staying informed about these resources is the key to building a future where conversations around mental health are normalized and proactive prevention efforts thrive. For more information about the AFSP’s work or to follow their ongoing initiatives, visit afsp.org/Advocacy.

Together, with ongoing commitment and community engagement, we can turn the tide on suicide and work toward a future where lives can be saved and hope restored.