The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a national nonprofit with a mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Through research, education, advocacy, and support to survivors of suicide loss and those with lived experience, 74 chapters across the US provide support.
Speaking with Mai Tran (she/her/hers), Nevada’s Area Director for AFSP, she expressed her hopes for bringing awareness to AFSP.
Tran spoke about being Nevada’s first and only dedicated staff member for their chapter and state since AFSP has been mainly volunteer/board member-led since its inception back in 2015, when the chapter first became official here in Nevada.
Tran, unfortunately, experienced her first suicide loss back in 2013 and experienced four more throughout the years, which ultimately led her to join AFSP in 2021.
“I got involved in November of 2021, after sitting through one of our programs called Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention during an 8-week advocacy training I was attending at The LGBTQ Center,” Tran said. “I immediately wanted to get involved [however] I could.”
Tran signed up as a volunteer soon after and worked her way up to becoming Nevada’s Area Director for AFSP.
AFSP and Dealing with Grief and Loss During the Holidays
While the holiday season brings joy and cheer for some, it can also be a time when grief and loss hit hardest for others, whether a loss is recent or not. The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention recently published a post series of reminders for people processing and dealing with loss during the holidays.
Dealing with loss during the holidays can be difficult. 💙
Here are some reminders if you’re navigating through it:
💌 Loss and love can both be present during the holidays. All your emotions are valid.
💬 It’s okay to say your loved one’s name this holiday season; it may even feel healing.
📅 Remembering past holidays may bring both sadness and joy, and that’s okay.
🆕 Create new holiday traditions and ways to honor your loved one who has died.
For loss and healing resources, visit afsp.org/loss.
AFSP Awareness and Outreach
To learn more about AFSP and the organization’s work, Tran encourages those who are curious about AFSP to join in on one of their upcoming events.
“I am hoping to spread awareness about suicide prevention through wellness and self-care,” she said. “We’d love to connect with anyone who hasn’t heard of AFSP before – we have so many amazing resources for folks who have been affected by suicide.”
Earlier this year, AFSP partnered with First Friday and IMR for activation in September for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month called ‘Freezin for a Reason,’ a cold dip for suicide awareness.
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AFSP Looks Ahead to 2024
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention planned to host “Giveback Tuesday” on November 28 at IMR Massage Rainbow. The event intended to offer massage services, affirmation readings, raffles, motivational speakers, and much more. Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances resulted in the event’s cancellation.
However, AFSP is planning another major event on April 27, 2024: the annual ‘Out of The Darkness’ walk to prevent suicide here in Las Vegas. AFSP also scheduled the event for May 18 in Reno. Register here!
#GetinMotion with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to Help Fight Suicide
Follow AFSP on Instagram (National + the Nevada chapter), Facebook (National + NV Chapter), Twitter (National + NV Chapter), and their website to stay updated on any future events and volunteer with the Nevada Chapter.
Tran encourages anyone interested in joining AFSP’s next event to email her at mtran@afsp.org. You can also visit her at Dig It! Coffee Co. in downtown every Thursday from 10 AM – 2 PM!
In addition, you can also read an article written by another MiM Mag writer who spoke about their experience with suicide ideation, losing several people in her life to suicide, and addressing the stigma about mental health and mental illness.
Note: If someone reading this is struggling with their mental health or suicidal thinking, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Please reach out to friends or family members. Call or text the crisis lifeline at 988 or text the word TALK to 741-741. You can find support at afsp.org/get-help.
You are loved, seen, heard, and worthy.
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