National Survivors of Suicide Day
On Saturday, November 17, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) held the ninth annual National Survivors of Suicide Day. This nationwide event provided an opportunity for thousands of people in the national survivor community to connect with others for emotional support, healing, grieving, to gather information and to share their experiences of loss.
“It [national survivors of suicide day] is a day of remembrance that provides survivors with a unique avenue to connect with others who have survived this tragedy of suicide loss,†said AFSP Director of Survivor Initiatives Joanne Harpel.
Events were held around the US and were connected via satellite from 1:00pm – 2:30pm EST. The event was also available through an online chat for those individuals that could not meet at one of the participating conference sites.
National Survivors of Suicide Day was created through the efforts of Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, who lost his father to suicide and sponsored a U.S. Senate resolution. It is a growing movement toward educating the public about suicide and the aftermath.
You can learn more about National Survivors of Suicide Day and the organization that supports it at www.afsp.org.