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SPAN USA Recognizes Veterans Day by Launching New Brochure for Military Families

The Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA) and TriWest Healthcare Alliance have recently created a new brochure to educate former and active members of the military and their families about warning signs of suicide and treatment options for mental health disorders in order to reduce suicide among our nation’s heroes. In addition to including information on warning signs, the brochure also encourages seeking help as a “sign of strength,” and provides information on finding local suicide prevention resources in cities nationwide. 

Click here to view and download the brochure, Suicide Prevention for Military Families: What You Need to Know about Warning Signs and Getting Help.

National Suicide Prevention Organizations Announce
Plans to Merge

Washington D.C./New York, N.Y. - November 6, 2008 – Two of the nation’s leading suicide prevention organizations – the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA) have announced their intent to merge...

For the full text of this press release, click here.

Listen and Act to Prevent Suicide During the Economic Crisis

The current state of the economy is certainly weighing heavily on the minds of Americans and people around the world.  Media coverage of the economic crisis has included a wave of stories about an increase in the suicide rate, both nationally and internationally.  It is important to remember, however, that research on suicide has not produced conclusive results connecting an economic downturn to an increase in suicide.  In addition, scientific data on suicide is generally subject to a few years of “lag time” and therefore does not necessarily reflect the current situation.

Yet, it is probably safe to say that in this climate of economic insecurity, many people are feeling helpless, hopeless, and vulnerable.  In the face of this fear and despair, we all can play a powerful role in suicide prevention. 

Here are some things you can do to help:

Take action today to prevent suicide in your community.  Together, we can make a difference.

Recent Publications

A summary of SPAN USA's survey of the leaders/facilitators of support groups for persons bereaved by suicide is available by clicking here. Many thanks to those who shared their input to make this survey possible.  Or download the new guide for funeral directors (developed in collaboration with SPRC). SPAN USA's latest brochure, "Suicide Prevention for Military Families," was created with support from TriWest Healthcare Alliance, and is available for download here and can be ordered through the SPAN USA Marketplace.

Parity is Now the Law

On October 3, 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 that includes the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.  The vote total on H.R. 1424 was 263-171.  The Senate voted to pass the same bill on October 1, 2008 by a vote of 74-25.  President George W. Bush signed the bill on the same day. 

Thank you to all of our Field Liaisons, grassroots activists, and the many organizations that have worked with us!  Thank you to the sponsors of the legislation: Senators Domenici, Kennedy and Enzi, and Representatives Kennedy and Ramstad.  Their leadership on this vital issue has been stellar.  We could not have had more energetic champions for this cause. More information will be provided on the public policy page soon. ADVOCACY IN ACTION WORKS!!

Support SPAN USA:
Lifekeeper Jewelry,
Marketplace, & More

Remember those lost and support suicide prevention efforts by giving Lifekeeper Jewelry (charm, pin, necklace, or bracelet). Or visit the SPAN USA Marketplace for other available items such a SPAN USA Polo shirt, educational guides, suicide prevention pins and much more. Consider other things you can do to support SPAN USA.