#United States #mental health #Washington D.C. #Suicide Prevention #AFSP

Advocating for Lives: AFSP's Annual Advocacy Forum 2025

In a significant move towards combating the rising tide of suicide in the United States, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is set to host its Annual Advocacy Forum from June 22-25, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This forum will bring together nearly 250 Volunteer Advocates from across the nation, united in their mission to push for essential suicide prevention and mental health policies.

Suicide has emerged as the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, claiming nearly 49,000 lives in 2023 alone. During this critical time, AFSP’s advocates will connect with lawmakers to share personal stories and urge immediate action on vital bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing this urgent public health issue.

A Unified Voice for Change

The Advocacy Forum serves as a powerful platform for individuals impacted by suicide to engage directly with Congress. This year’s focus will highlight populations disproportionately affected by suicide, particularly Veterans and healthcare workers. Laurel Stine, AFSP's Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Advocacy Officer, emphasizes, “AFSP and its network of Volunteer Advocates are at the forefront of fighting to save lives at the federal, state and local levels of government.” The advocacy efforts will emphasize the importance of continued support for initiatives like the Saving Our Veterans Lives Act and the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act.

The Saving Our Veterans Lives Act aims to improve awareness and accessibility to safe firearm storage, while the Dr. Lorna Breen Act focuses on mental health support for healthcare professionals, offering grants for training and promoting practices aimed at reducing burnout and suicide.

Engaging with Lawmakers

Throughout the forum, advocates will participate in crucial discussions and face-to-face meetings with congressional representatives. Several key speakers will be addressing the forum, including members of Congress who will share insights on the legislative actions necessary to protect at-risk populations. Keynote speakers include:

• - The Honorable Maxwell Frost, U.S. House of Representatives (FL)
• - The Honorable Debbie Dingell, U.S. House of Representatives (MI)

In addition to the keynote address, attendees will hear from other prominent figures in the arena of mental health, including retired military personnel and health policy experts, who will share best practices and strategies for effective advocacy.

Honoring Champions of Prevention

As part of the Advocacy Forum, AFSP will also present its Allies in Action Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in suicide prevention initiatives. Honorees include members of Congress and their staff who have shown unwavering commitment to mental health policies.

Members honored include:

• - Tyler Allard, Deputy Legislative Director for Congressman Seth Moulton
• - The Honorable Mike Lawler, U.S. House of Representatives (NY-17)
• - The Honorable Jack Reed, U.S. Senate (RI)

Participation and Streaming

The Advocacy Forum will be an invitation-only event, reflecting the serious nature of the discussions and engagement expected. For those unable to attend, AFSP will share clips from the educational sessions and speeches on their social media platforms, allowing a broader audience to engage with and support the cause.

The AFSP continues to advocate for enhancing mental health awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding suicide. Participants and supporters are encouraged to visit AFSP's Action Center to learn how they can support legislative priorities and make their voices heard in Congress. More information about the conference, as well as access to resources and updates, can be found on AFSP's official website and social media platforms.

By mobilizing thousands of advocates and emphasizing the need for urgent legislative action, AFSP is taking significant steps to ensure that suicide prevention remains a top priority. The resilience and determination of those coming together at the Advocacy Forum not only shine a light on the critical issue of suicide in America but also inspire collective action towards change.