American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Western Pennsylvania Chapter

AFSP Mission: To save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization incorporated in the state of Delaware with primary offices in New York City. AFSP is non-profit organization that is directly dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness across the nation. With local programs and events in all 50 states, AFSP’s chapters are at the forefront of suicide prevention. They create a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, research and advocacy, and support for those affected by suicide.

AFSP Western PA Chapter is based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and serves 25 counties within the Western Pennsylvania region.

afsp.org/westernpa

We are volunteer health organization that equips and engages our volunteers with the needed resources and opportunities to be active participants in a nationwide community that is empowered by groundbreaking research, new and innovative education and critical advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death. AFSP has set a bold goal with our "Project 2025" initiative, to reduce the annual suicide rate in the United States 20% by the year 2025. AFSP is the leading national non-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide. Our mission is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health by engaging in core strategies, such as funding scientific research, educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention, advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention, and supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide.

There are many ways to become involved in AFSP activities. Whether your passion is to host tabling events, to become active in a community or campus walk, or to be an active volunteer at other AFSP events, spending time speaking with the general public and helping them connect to resources that are relevant to their situation. I would recommend familiarizing yourself with our literature, programs, and possible trainings for which you may need to be an active volunteer. I will be happy to provide you with physical copies of our printed materials to look over once we get to meet in person. A great resource to start your research would be our national website afsp.org and our social media websites.

"I’m grateful to work toward a common goal with volunteers who inspire me with their loving, generous hearts." - Debbie M, volunteer with AFSP WPA

"I hope that my volunteerism brings peace and comfort to someone that is struggling with a mental health crisis." - Jonathan S, volunteer with AFSP WPA

To learn more detailed information on American Foundation for Suicide Prevention National Organization please visit our AFSP 2020 Annual Report.

To become a volunteer at AFSP Western Pennsylvania, you will need to complete an application. Once you have submitted this application, Rob Searfoss our Volunteer Coordinator will reach out to you within 24 to 48 hrs to welcome you into our chapter.

Please complete the application here:

https://afsp.wufoo.com/forms/volunteer-application-western-pennsylvania/

If you have any questions you would like answered before completing the application, please email Rob Searfoss, Volunteer Coordinator:

volunteer.afspwpa@gmail.com