American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - New York City Chapter

Yesterday our Board and Executive Director Candace Bravo met to plan for the year ahead. We’ve got a full year of important events to serve our mission of saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Stay tuned to https://lnkd.in/ee-ptBu8 for all of our upcoming educational programs and register for these fundraising and community events today: Fordham University Campus Walk on 4/5: https://lnkd.in/eU7z2aq2 Queens College Campus Walk on 4/9: https://lnkd.in/evf5gyx8 New York University Campus Walk on 4/12: https://bit.ly/afspnyu25 Paws for Prevention on 5/3: https://lnkd.in/eX5dK8Gc Drag Away the Stigma on 6/14: https://afsp.org/nycdrag Staten Island Community Walk on 9/14: https://lnkd.in/eZ-JF7KJ Bronx Community Walk on 9/28: https://afsp.org/bronx Brooklyn/Queens Community Walk on 10/5: https://afsp.org/brooklyn NYC Community Walk on 10/12: https://afsp.org/nycwalk

You are unconditionally welcome at AFSP. ?? Research tells us that transgender people report higher prevalence of suicide attempts over their lifetime, than LGB or straight people. We also know that it’s not an individual’s LGBTQ+ identity that elevates the risk for suicide. It’s experiences of trauma, violence, discrimination, and marginalization—as well as laws that encourage stigma and lack protection against discrimination—that increase the risk of suicide for LGBTQ+ people. So, we want to remind you that you are not alone in any complex emotions you may be experiencing. If you’re struggling or want to connect with a trusted mental health professional, call or text 988, or text TALK to 741741.

Meet Alexa Rodriguez Pagano, one of our Team AFSP NYC Half Marathon runners. This year, AFSP NYC is an official charity partner for the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon on Sunday, March 16. Funds raised through the support of Team AFSP and its NYC Half Marathon runners will allow AFSP to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide through research, advocacy, education, and loss support. Meet the rest of the team: https://lnkd.in/ggp49xPX

Two additional bibs have become available on Team AFSP for the NYC Half Marathon taking place on March 16th!! We’ve reopened our Interest Form so APPLY TODAY to join this special team running to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention! ????? APPLY AT: https://lnkd.in/g5jvBVd6 *Fundraising extensions will be offered for these two additional bibs

Last week members from our chapter attended the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Chapter Leadership Conference where we learned from and shared with staff and volunteers from AFSP chapters across the country. Team NYC was asked to share a lot with our fellow attendees: Executive Director Candace Bravo and Brooklyn Walk Co-Chair Hannah Moch gave a presentation about sponsorship, Board Member and CBS Anchor Cindy Hsu spoke to attendees about working with the media and Former Board Chair Dionne C. Monsanto led the conference in a breathing and affirmation exercise. We also took home four awards: for the NYC Marathon team, for the NYC Walk, for our DEI initiatives, and for our Education and Programming. Thank you to all of our volunteers, runners, walkers and donors for contributing to our success in 2024!

Hello 2025! Yesterday our board (not all pictured) and staff met to talk about what saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide will look like in NYC in 2025. We’re so grateful you’re with us and we look forward to being in community with you, working with you, fundraising with you, spreading awareness with you and walking with you this year.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention held an Advocacy Action Day this week and I am grateful to have attended! Staff and volunteers from across New York visited the State Capital in Albany to meet with assembly members to provide information and rally support for critical mental health legislation. It happened to be this session’s opening day and the Legislative Building was buzzing with activity. It was incredible meeting fellow AFSP volunteers and several elected officials to discuss our personal reasons for being passionate about suicide prevention and three critical legislative priorities: 1? College Student Suicide Prevention Act: Introduced last session by Senator Webb [S. 9429] and Assemblymember Gunther [A. 9923A], this bill would have required comprehensive suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention policies for NYS colleges and universities, to include training requirements for residential assistants and other student-facing staff, the provision of student mental health resources and support services, campus suicide safety assessments, emergency contact notification protocol revisions, and the development of partnerships with community mental health providers. 2?? Suicide Deterrent Bridge Barriers: Since 2014, 76 people have died by suicide and an additional 24 people have attempted suicide on 5 bridges under the jurisdiction of the New York State Bridge Authority. Reducing access to lethal means, such as bridges, is a proven, research-supported component of suicide prevention. In comparing all potential interventions to prevent suicides at bridges, including signs and telephone hotlines, research has shown that barriers that physically restrict access are the most effective; a summary report found an 86% reduction in suicide at publicly accessible areas of height where barriers were installed. Last session’s S. 2708 [Harckham] would have required the installation of climb deterrent fencing on all bridges under the jurisdiction of the NYSBA. Similar legislation should be introduced and enacted this session. 3?? 988 Crisis Response Services: We encourage the legislature to continue to promote and invest in New York’s 988 crisis response system. This includes a 988 telecom fee and continued state appropriations. Full implementation and promotion of the 988 Lifeline will reduce healthcare spending with early intervention, reduce the burden on emergency rooms and law enforcement, and improve outcomes for individuals experiencing a suicide or behavioral health crisis. A well-resourced crisis response system will also ensure more equitable access to and fill gaps in the current system, particularly those that affect rural and underserved communities. ?? Sign up to be a Field Advocate with AFSP so YOU can help prevent suicide at https://afsp.org/advocacy #AFSPAdvocacy American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - New York City Chapter

AFSP's impact in 2024 was immense and there's still time to make a difference! Consider giving an end of year gift to support mental health and suicide prevention in NYC up until midnight today. Not only will your gift be tax-deductible, but most of all, will help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. ?? GIVE HERE: https://lnkd.in/eemRf2yC

Thank you to everyone who joined us in 2024. Whether you participated in an event or an educational program, walked with us on campus or in your community, donated to or advocated for the cause, or supported us online, you helped us further our mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. We’ll see you in 2025!

??? AFSP NYC is thrilled to announce that we are currently seeking a driven Fundraising Manager to join our NYC Chapter team! The Fundraising Manger will oversee all fundraising efforts for the chapter working to increase revenue, partnerships, and our volunteer base. The ideal candidate will be highly organized and detail oriented with a proven successful track record of non-profit special event fundraising. Learn more and apply at: https://lnkd.in/ebtAVdMz