This piece originally appeared as a Volunteer Spotlight Story in AFSP’s 2019 Annual Report. For other inspiring and emotional Volunteer Spotlight Stories, and to learn more about our exciting work, visit afsp.org/2019report.
Mar. 17, 2020 - Steve Moore lost his son, Paul, to suicide in 2006. He has since devoted himself to the cause of suicide prevention, particularly in the form of advocacy, as the co-chair and public policy chair of our Illinois chapter, as well as serving on AFSP’s National Public Policy Council.
This year, Steve drafted a bill that made suicide prevention the responsibility of the Illinois Department of Public Health, and added the Zero Suicide model for health care to the state’s suicide prevention plan. In addition to testifying before Senate and House committees and leading a letter-writing campaign to legislators, Steve organized the chapter’s State Capitol Day around the bill. Visitors to the State Capitol Building placed rose petals in memory of those who died by suicide on a large board with the word HOPE that was set up on the first floor. “The HOPE board was a positive way to raise awareness and encourage public participation in our cause,” said Steve.
The bill passed both houses unanimously and was signed by the Governor. Steve concluded, “Because suicide prevention will now be a line item in the state budget, our future advocacy can focus on increasing state funding for suicide prevention.”
To learn more about our exciting work and read other Volunteer Spotlight Stories, see our 2019 Annual Report.