Public policy events

Each year between January and May, AFSP chapters host Advocacy Action Days in state capitals across the country. These powerful and inspiring events bring advocates and state lawmakers together to talk about how we can and must work together to prevent suicide.

As part of our Advocacy Action Days, advocates are trained on advocacy best practices and AFSP's top policy issues for their state, then they meet with their state public officials to share their personal stories and connection to the cause. As part of these meetings, advocates urge lawmakers to act in support of AFSP's top state-level policy priorities and also offer their local AFSP chapter as a resource that senators and representatives can lean on throughout the year.

Thanks in part to the personal connections made between advocates and lawmakers at AFSP Advocacy Action Days, state bills have been enacted over the last few years that now implement telecom fees to fund 988 crisis response services, require suicide prevention policies and personnel training in K-12 schools, create voluntary do-not-sell firearm registries and enhance secure firearm storage options, require insurance plans to treat mental health and physical health equally, and create statewide suicide prevention offices and task forces, among other legislative advancements.

Advocates that attend AFSP Advocacy Action Days truly help us further our mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. THANK YOU for your continued advocacy and support. Together, we can effect real, meaningful change in public policies nationwide.

Find Advocacy Action Day events by visiting the AFSP Action Center.

The Advocacy Forum brings together AFSP Volunteer Advocates from across the country to make their voices heard for suicide prevention and mental health. View the 2024 Advocacy Forum webpage.

AFSP Advocates are joined by members of Congress, policy experts, and others impacted by suicide and mental health to learn about the federal policy changes and legislation that can save lives. As part of the Advocacy Forum, AFSP chapter representatives meet with members of Congress and their staff to share their stories and speak about AFSP’s legislative priorities that need support.

Learn how you can make an impact for the policy areas that need support by signing up as an AFSP Volunteer Advocate.