The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention chartered its first Virginia chapter a year ago in 2015. The chapter services the entire state of Virginia, minus Northern Virginia suburbs, which are part of the National Capital Area Chapter. The chapter has done so much in its first year, that is was honored as the “Outstanding First Year Chapter” for the entire foundation.
“We are thrilled to bring the mission of AFSP to the State of Virginia and honored that our Virginia chapter garnered recognition at our recent national conference as best new chapter for their exemplary service in helping to fight suicide in Virginia,” said Ryan Newcomb, AFSP Regional Director. “The volunteers and board members in Virginia have been working tirelessly for years to promote, advocate and educate Virginians on suicide prevention. This is just the beginning of an incredible statewide movement that will help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.”
It was at the national conference in February that Virginia won its award where over 350 people from across the nation joined to attend a four-day conference in Little Rock, Arkansas to learn how to bring greater understanding of mental health issues and raise awareness for suicide prevention in their communities. The conference featured the latest policy priorities specific to suicide prevention, information sessions addressing public education programs, workplace initiatives; and how to support those who currently live with a mental health issue.
“This past year we have reached our goal of establishing local chapters in every state in the country,” said CEO Robert Gebbia, of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Since 1987, AFSP has grown from a small group of committed citizens to a whole movement of families who are connected by our mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.”
The purpose of the Virginia Chapter is to raise awareness throughout the community with Out of the Darkness Walks and Campus walks; provide education; offer support services; and prevent suicide.
The 2015 Staunton Out of the Darkness Walk, held at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton, registered 572 walkers, and raised $39,630.58. The date for the 2016 walk is Saturday, October 8. The walk name has changed to the Greater Augusta Out of the Darkness Walk but will still be held at Gypsy Hill Park.
A community meeting is scheduled for February 25 to engage more community members in the walk and other programs offered by AFSP.
For more information on the upcoming walk or community meeting, contact:
- Kimberly Sours (540-471-0052, [email protected])
- Crystal Graham (540-910-1233, [email protected])
To register for the 2016 walk, visit www.afsp.org/walks.
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Crystal Graham
