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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Advocates Gather Nationwide, Calling for Action on Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Policy | ||
By: PR Newswire Association LLC. - 07 Mar 2024 | Back to overview list |
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Top priorities include securing continued funding for state 988 crisis services systems and increasing lethal means safety NEW YORK, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, but it can be prevented. Each year from January to May, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) chapters host State Capitol Day events across the country to provide the organization's over 50,000 Volunteer Advocates an opportunity to meet directly with public officials and impact suicide prevention legislation and policies in their home state. Two of this year's top policy priorities include securing permanent, sustainable funding for state 988 crisis services systems and increasing lethal means safety. According to 2022 provisional data from the CDC, 49,449 people died by suicide in the U.S., up 3% from 48,183 in 2021. This increase underscores the urgency of prioritizing state and local policies to improve mental health and prevent suicide. "During polarizing times, there is nothing more powerful than uniting in a shared mission to improve wellbeing and prevent loss of life," said AFSP Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Laurel Stine, J.D.. "Thanks in no small part to the work of our Advocates, 48 suicide prevention and mental health bills we supported at the AFSP State Capitol Day events in 2023 have become law." 988 Crisis Services It is clear that more state 988 investment and support is needed, as only eight states have passed legislation to sustainably fund their 988 systems via a monthly telecom fee, the gold standard in permanent 988 funding. AFSP advocates are continuing to support legislation in a number of states that aims to put permanent funding mechanisms in place for 988 and to build out the crisis response continuum statewide, including:
"I'm advocating with AFSP for the establishment of a monthly 988 telecom fee of 25 cents per cell phone line ($3.00 per year) in Maryland," said AFSP Maryland Chapter Advocacy Ambassador Sue Maskaleris."The estimated $15-20 million generated by this fee would fund call center operations, the hiring of staff, investment in technology and training and further integration of other crisis services. Since the launch of 988, the volume of calls has increased by almost 50% and the volume of texts has increased 14-fold in the state. We need a permanent, self-sustaining source of funding for our call centers so that no outreach to 988 will go unanswered." Lethal Means Safety
"Firearms safety is a bi-partisan issue because of its direct connection to suicide risk," noted AFSP Tennesse Chapter Volunteer Advocate Mark Patterson. "In Tennessee, our AFSP Chapter is working with Democratic and Republican legislators to pass voluntary 'do not sell' and temporary 'safe storage' bills that will enable and facilitate separating those in crisis from lethal firearms. This legislation could immediately impact and save the lives of many Tennesseans." Other policy priorities for State Capitol Day advocacy include:
To find a State Capitol Day event in your state visit AFSP's Chapter Program Calendar. To learn more about the bills AFSP supports in your state, visit afsp.org/statebills. Learn how you can become an AFSP Volunteer Advocate. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a public policy office in Washington, DC, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok. Please fill out this press request form with media inquiries. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-foundation-for-suicide-prevention-advocates-gather-nationwide-calling-for-action-on-suicide-prevention--mental-health-policy-302082384.html SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention |
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