Page 64 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2024

GIVING BACK
story by Lynn Lofton
photo courtesy of
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Established in 1987, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death.
Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2021 American deaths by suicide numbered 48,183 and there were 1.70 million suicide attempts.
“AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope
to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss,” says Meghan Goldberg, executive director for Louisiana and Mississippi. “It’s the largest private funder of suicide prevention research in the U.S. We offer prevention training to schools, first responders, organizations and anyone in the community. We advocate for suicide prevention.”
Goldbeck explains that AFSP is privately funded by generous individuals who helped pass the Out of the Darkness Law. The organization creates a culture that’s smart about mental health by engaging in the following core strategies: funding scientific research, educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention, advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention, and supporting survivors of suicide loss.
“If you or someone you know is in a crisis, please call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. As of July 16, 2022, 988 is the new three-digit dialing code for the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now called the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline,” Goldbeck says. “Anyone, anywhere in the
U.S. can now call, chat, or text 988 and receive resources and support during a suicide, mental health, or substance use crisis.”
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Mississippi Chapter 504.220.6100 • www.afsp.org/Mississippi
64 | December 2024
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