1. Not Just a Bill on Capitol Hill
Preventing Suicide through Legislative Advocacy

2. Suicide Prevention in Schools (K-12)
Suicide Prevention in Schools (K-12)
Momentum growing rapidly since 2012
State laws require or encourage:
Training for school personnel
School district policies on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention
AFSP Resources: model legislation, Model School District Policy, issue brief, maps
Since 2012, we’ve tripled the number of states (now 27) that require suicide prevention training for certain school personnel
Twelve (12) states now require school district policies on suicide prevention, intervention, & postvention – prior to 2012, only one state had such a requirement.

5. Suicide Prevention in Higher Education
Suicide Prevention in Higher Education
Newer legislative issue
Require colleges/universities to make info available to all students on:
Available MH and SP services on and off campus
Warning signs of suicide/MH crisis
Free print & online materials, programs, apps
AFSP Resources: issue brief, Interactive Screening Program, Truth About Suicide DVD
Current state laws: OH, WV TX, PA (resolution to study), WA (task force). VA’s law was repealed Oct. 1.
Related Federal legislation: H.R. 4374/S.2685: Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act This bill would require SAMHSA to award grants to institutions of higher education to provide and improve mental and behavioral health services, conduct research about the mental health of students, and expand outreach and training on college and university campuses.
ISP – acts as a method of outreach for students that may be at risk for suicide, but who are not getting the help that they need. The ISP anonymously connects at-risk students with feedback from a campus counselor encouraging follow-up options for resources or treatment. Visit
Truth About Suicide – educational DVD that teaches college students and young adults the risks and warning signs for depression and encourages help-seeking behaviors. Visit

6. Training for Health Professionals
Training for Health Professionals
WA first state to take legislative approach
Matt Adler Suicide Assessment, Treatment and Management Act adopted in 2012
Have revised original law language each year since
Began with mental health professionals, now expanded to include primary care professionals

7. Training for Health Professionals
Training for Health Professionals
Since WA in 2012, 6 additional states have adopted similar laws
Require or encourage training in “suicide assessment, treatment, and management”
AFSP Resources: issue brief (includes links to available trainings), state contacts, map

9. How You can help

10.
Getting Involved
Your opinion DOES make a difference with your elected officials!
Effective advocates maintain regular contact and build relationships with elected officials and their staff
Share your story
Ask them to support issues you care about
Offer to be a resource (and follow through)
The combination of a clear and real message, based on data, research and personal experience, conveyed effectively to elected officials is a winning one!

11. Getting Involved Call/email your elected officials regularly
Getting Involved
Call/ your elected officials regularly
Engage via social media
Sign up for newsletters
Visit your elected officials in person
On your own
Join an AFSP State Capitol Day or other local SP/MH advocacy events
The combination of a clear and real message, based on data, research and personal experience, conveyed effectively to elected officials is a winning one!

17.
Getting Involved
Join your state or county coalition on suicide prevention or mental health
Connect with community stakeholders and local reporters
Attend local meetings (e.g., town halls, city council, local school board)

18. AFSP Field Advocate Network
AFSP Field Advocate Network
Large, grassroots network of volunteer advocates
, call, and tweet elected officials
Sign petitions
Submit letters to the editor
Track legislation

19. AFSP Field Advocate Network
AFSP Field Advocate Network
Represent yourself
Communicate with your own elected officials via AFSP’s online Action Center
Quick, easy, online sign up form:
We make it EASY to participate, when it fits into your schedule!
Receive 2-3 s per month with advocacy alerts and updates from our Public Policy Team
Regular opportunities to connect with your local AFSP chapter as well.