Week 37 of #52weeksofgiving - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention New Hampshire Chapter
The week 37 focus for #52weeksofgiving is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s New Hampshire Chapter. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and there is still much work to be done regarding mental health support, legislation, and suicide prevention strategies.
We were saddened to learn that one of our team members recently lost a loved one to suicide. Our hearts and thoughts go out to them. We aim to show our support for them through this difficult time and do our part to help shed light on this critical issue.
Read on to learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s New Hampshire Chapter and Circle of Hope, their annual giving society. And please consider donating and helping spread the word however you can.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - NH Circle of Hope
Courtesy American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on Facebook
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention was established in 1987 by a handful of caring people who wanted to support suicide research and education to foster future suicide prevention efforts. It was the first national organization of its kind. This mix of families affected by suicide partnered with scientists to create today’s American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
The AFSP is a voluntary health organization that works to save lives by providing a community and hope to those affected by suicide. The foundation focuses on:
Research funding
Mental health and suicide prevention education
Advocacy for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention
Support for survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide
According to the AFSP:
Suicide is currently the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24.
The highest overall suicide rates are seen in adults ages 40 to 59.
In New Hampshire, suicide is the ninth leading cause of death.
Following the foundation’s mission, the AFSP New Hampshire Chapter delivers innovative prevention programs, educates the public, fundraises for suicide research and programs, and supports those who have lost someone to suicide.
Additionally, a passionate group of individuals formed Circle of Hope. They are dedicated to funding efforts to prevent suicide through a personal gift to their local chapter. Funding from the New Hampshire Circle of Hope allows the chapter to further their efforts throughout the Granite State, including:
Outreach through more than 20 education programs
Continued support for those affected by suicide through AFSP’s loss and healing programs
Funding for research and suicide prevention strategies
Advocacy for local mental health legislation through state legislative days and calls-to-action
Circle of Hope directly impacts the AFSP New Hampshire Chapter, meaning the program makes a difference for many of our neighbors!
How to Help Prevent Suicide in New Hampshire
Please consider joining the Circle of Hope to support suicide prevention right here in New Hampshire continuously. This annual giving society allows donors to give a one-time, monthly, or yearly amount of their choice. Gifts can also be made in memory of a loved one and on behalf of individuals or companies.
Circle of Hope members receive recognition on the New Hampshire Chapter’s online platforms and additional information and resources to promote suicide awareness and prevention.
If you’d like to get involved in person, join one of AFSP New Hampshire’s upcoming walks, presentations, fundraisers, or other events. You can also apply to be a volunteer at one of these events or by hosting your own. Learn more about AFSP New Hampshire involvement opportunities.
On a closing note, please treat everyone with kindness, compassion, and understanding, as you never know what they are going through. Follow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on Instagram @afspnational or on Facebook to keep up with their efforts and more ways to get involved.
If you believe you or someone you know is at risk for suicide, or you’ve lost someone to suicide, get help here. Or, if you are in a crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.