American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

🗞️ Reporting on AI in the context of suicide and mental health is nuanced and can be challenging. However, ethical reporting can save lives by reducing suicide risk among vulnerable individuals. 📋 Learn the four tips to consider when covering AI and suicide responsibly: https://lnkd.in/eck_H6ie

📣 UPCOMING WEBINAR 📣 Spotlight on Mergers, Part II: From Merger Decision to Integration: An Inside Look with AFSP and JED ⏰ Thursday, November 5, 2026, 2 – 3 PM ET Register here ➡️ https://bit.ly/4zBGdex When the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and The Jed Foundation (JED) announced their intent to merge as equals, their leaders shared a candid, behind-the-scenes account of how they reached that momentous decision. Now, they return to continue the story—this time focusing on what comes after the announcement. Over the past several months, AFSP and JED have been preparing to bring together two high-performing organizations with distinct histories, strengths, and ways of working. In this follow-up conversation, their leaders will discuss the practical realities of integration—from aligning people, boards, systems, cultures, and strategies to sustaining momentum and advancing the merger’s ambitious vision. Designed for nonprofit leaders, board members, funders, and others considering or navigating a merger, this webinar offers an inside look at what it takes to move from decision to integration. Hear what AFSP and JED have learned so far, where unexpected challenges have emerged, and how they are navigating the complex work of building a unified organization while continuing to prevent suicide and bring hope to those affected by suicide. 💡 Attendees will gain: • A candid look at the transition from merger decision to integration • Practical lessons on bringing together organizational cultures, teams, boards, systems, and strategies • Insights into managing uncertainty, communicating with internal and external stakeholders, and maintaining trust and momentum throughout the process • Reflections on early challenges, tradeoffs, and surprises—and how leaders are responding • A forward-looking perspective on the next phase of the AFSP–JED merger

People come to AFSP because suicide has touched their lives, their work, or their communities. They may come with grief, fear, questions, hope, or a desire to help someone they love. Research helps us meet that trust with more than good intentions. It helps us understand suicidal behavior. With research, we can move from "we care" to "we know more about how to help." Research builds the knowledge that turns hope into suicide prevention. Consider supporting our research efforts and make a gift at afsp.org/give #Science2StopSuicide

Finding support from someone who understands the weight of a suicide loss can make all the difference. 💙✨ AFSP’s Healing Conversations program connects loss survivors with trained peer volunteers to offer understanding, guidance, and resources in a warm, welcoming space. Learn more or request a conversation today at https://lnkd.in/gHZaG853

Healing doesn’t come with a timeline. Give your grief room to ebb, flow, and unfold at its own pace. On November 21, join thousands of suicide loss survivors at events across the world. International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day encourages friends and family of those who have died by suicide to come together for healing and support. 💙 Register for a #SurvivorDay event near you 🔗 afsp.org/survivorday

On September 2, 2021, Keely lost her husband Nate to suicide. "Grief after suicide is complicated. There are questions that will never be answered, and a silence that seems so loud." Eventually, Keely found her way to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, finding purpose and a place to channel the pain she felt. Through her local Rhode Island #OutOfTheDarkness Walks, Keely found community, and walked for her fifth time this fall. "That's the community I've found through AFSP: people who understand, who show up for each other, and who turn grief into purpose together." Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/eB7ANagv

Together, we can walk to fight suicide. 💙✨ Every step we take is a message to anyone struggling that they are never alone. Ready to make a difference in your community? Find your local walk and register today at afsp.org/walk! 👟 Can't make a walk or want to make extra impact? Consider donating to a fundraiser.

The way media covers stories on Al and suicide matters. 💙 Research shows that unethical reporting practices can increase suicide risk and contagion for vulnerable people, but greater understanding of the role messaging plays in reporting on Al and suicide can mitigate these risks. Here's what journalists can do 👇 🧠 Emphasize that current Al crisis protocols and algorithms are not consistently grounded in mental health or suicide prevention expertise and may not reliably distinguish between literal and metaphorical language. 🗞️ Inform without sensationalizing when reporting on suicide deaths involving Al. 💬 Although it feels counter-intuitive, reconsider using verbatim conversation content between Al/chatbots and individuals when reporting, especially final exchanges which are akin to suicide notes. ✅ Highlight steps to support safer Al chatbot use. For more tips and guidance, visit afsp.org/storytelling

As AFSP nears 40 years since its founding, we are honored to have received the 2026 Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health from the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF). We thank BBRF for recognizing the trailblazing work AFSP has made in advancing the essential science fueling our lifesaving public health response to suicide prevention. The Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health is considered one of the highest honors and most prestigious global accolades given to AFSP for the profound impact on advancing the understanding of mental health and providing hope and healing for people living with mental illness. BBRF is also hosting its International Mental Health Research Symposium on October 30, and AFSP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine Yu Moutier will be presenting "The Suicide Prevention Movement: Translating Science Into Action." 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eT_c3fNk Read the press release: https://lnkd.in/eJaUhVsx

Mental health and suicide prevention news you need to know this week: 💡A JAMA study found that one in six teenagers aged 12-20 years old in the United States have moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, and female adolescents were nearly two times more likely than their male counterparts to report severe anxiety symptoms. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dbW4tX6E  🏦 Character.ai, an artificial intelligence chatbot startup involved in lawsuits alleging ties to teen suicides, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eCbijEWU 💙 Breaking Bad actor and disability advocate RJ Mitte died by suicide on Monday, October 14. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gNdCQiJv