Suicide remains a serious public health issue in the United States. In 2024, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death, with 48,824 Americans dying by suicide and an estimated 2.2 million suicide attempts. The national suicide rate was 13.7 per 100,000 people. While the 2024 numbers show a slight improvement from 2023, the rate remains significantly higher than it was in 2000. These statistics are difficult to read, but they also remind us why awareness, prevention, and community support matter. Prevention is key and this is the mission of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
What is AFSP?
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) was established in 1987 and is a voluntary health organization dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP gives people across the country a community empowered by research, education, advocacy, and support. Its work focuses on four core strategies: funding scientific research, educating the public, advocating for public policies, and supporting survivors of suicide loss and others affected by suicide. They are headquartered in New York City with a policy office in Washington DC and local chapters in all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico.
How AFSP Started
AFSP began when a small group of families who had lost loved ones to suicide joined with scientists to create a national organization focused on suicide research and education. During this period, the suicide of young men tripled and doubled for young woman. At the time, there was no national nonprofit dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education, and advocacy. The founders were especially concerned by the rise in youth suicide over the previous decades and they wanted to create a lasting source of support for prevention efforts.
The Impact of AFSP’s Work
Since its founding, AFSP has connected tens of thousands of people who have lost someone to suicide and reached many more individuals at risk, as well as the people who love and care for them. The organization has helped advance suicide prevention research, educated communities and the media about responsible ways to discuss suicide, and supported advocacy efforts that make crisis resources easier to access. AFSP also played an important role in supporting the creation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, helping make it easier for people in crisis to reach potentially life-saving support.
Merging with The JED Foundation
Earlier this year, AFSP announced its intent to merge with The Jed Foundation (JED), an organization founded in 2000 by two parents who lost their son to suicide. The JED Foundation, named for their son, is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to young adult mental health. JED focuses on protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults by strengthening the schools, campuses, and communities where they live, learn, and grow. Together, AFSP and JED aim to expand suicide prevention efforts across the lifespan and bring more hope, resources, and support to those affected by suicide loss or risk.
How We Can Help as a Community
As a gym community, we know the power of showing up, for ourselves and for one another. Mental health is part of overall health, and conversations about suicide prevention help reduce stigma and make it easier for someone to ask for help. By supporting AFSP, raising awareness, and checking in on the people around us, we can be part of a larger movement to save lives and bring hope. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for immediate support.
