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Stories about Education

Mary Meacham

If I Knew Then What I Know Now: “Finding Hope” for Those Caring for Someone at Risk of Suicide

I was privileged to be involved in the pilot of one of AFSP’s newest programs, Finding Hope: Guidance for Supporting Those at Risk. The goal is to provide practical guidance to those caregivers who have suicidal thoughts and/or have survived a suicide attempt, whom we refer to as those with “lived experience.”

Children stepping out of a school bus, smiling and laughing as they run into school.

Suicide Prevention Resources for Back-to-School Season

Back-to-school prep often means school supply runs and physical health check-ups, but it should also mean checking in with youth about their mental health.

Cover photo for Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention, featuring a diverse group of people standing together and smiling.

Updating the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Flagship Education Program, “Talk Saves Lives”

As of August 2024, the newly revamped Talk Saves Lives program is available in all chapters across the U.S., Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico!

AFSP Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement Victor Armstrong (left) convened a panel of speakers at St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC, on February 20. Picture from left, the panel included St. Augustine’s Senior and Mister Saint Augustine's University Louis Keenan Lowndes, UNC Charlotte Assistant Professor School of Social Work Dr. Sonyia Richardson, and AFSP-NC Board Chair and Chapter Leadership Council Member Keon Lewis.

L.E.T.S Save Lives: A Message of Hope and Perseverance for the Black Community

What makes L.E.T.S. Save Lives such a vital program is that it helps to foster new conversations about mental health and suicide prevention for the Black community. This program has been created by and for Black people and resonates in a unique way with its audience.

Lifesaver symbols against a blue background

A Program a Day in May: Bringing Suicide Prevention Efforts to Our Local Community

This year, the Michigan Chapter launched a new initiative called A Program a Day in May. In an effort to reduce the stigma and myths surrounding mental health, we partnered with school districts, community organizations, and individuals seeking to become smarter about suicide prevention.

Young Jessica Molberg with her dad.

Vulnerable in My Truth: Making a Difference for Suicide Prevention in Honor of My Father

I found my way to AFSP the year after my father died by suicide, and have participated in the organization’s Out of the Darkness Walks every year in his honor. It is important for me to keep his legacy alive and increase awareness of the warning signs of suicide.

Hands in prayer

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Launches Soul Shop™ for Black Churches to Support Faith-Based Black Communities with Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Training

AFSP is offering Soul ShopTM for Black Churches, a new training to help faith leaders, including church staff, pastors, faith-based clinicians and other lay leaders in Black and African-American churches minister to those in their congregations who may be struggling or who have been impacted by suicide.

Houses covered in snow in Alaska

The Spirit of the Circle: Bringing Suicide Prevention to a Native Alaskan Community

Evaluating and updating AFSP programs to meet the unique needs of people living in Alaska – and making them culturally competent for the more than 230 Alaska Native tribes indigenous to the lands we occupy – has led to incredible relationships and partnerships.

Francis Gonzalez headshot

Delivering Talk Saves Lives en Español

Mental health and suicide are topics that are not spoken about enough in the Latinx community, though suicide has always impacted us. It’s exciting to me that AFSP’s Talk Saves Lives education program is available in Spanish.

Wendy Sefcik and advocate friends holding a #StopSuicide sign in front of the State Capitol

A Mother’s Perspective: The Need for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Education in Schools

It’s more important than ever before that we make mental health and suicide prevention education in schools a priority – and the good news is that anyone can get involved in helping to advocate for it.

Green header background

Dancing Our Way to Mental Health: Presenting the “It’s Real” Program for Teens

A lot of the dance families and I will often help each other out by car-pooling, which is where I interact with other dancers from the studio. I enjoy being able to help, and to hopefully be a trusted and safe adult to teens from our dance studio.

Blue lifesaver header

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Announces New Program to Support People Caring for Others at Risk of Suicide

Led by trained AFSP staff and volunteers, as well as mental health professionals, “Finding Hope: Guidance for Supporting Those at Risk” is intended to increase the ability for family members and friends to support someone with lived experience and offers a resource to community members.