Search
Although suicide has long been a leading cause of death in the United States, suicide prevention research, initiatives and programs are consistently under-funded. The stigma that surrounds suicide and mental illness has long kept this subject in the dark. Most people don't know that suicide claims more American lives each year than homicide or HIV/AIDS. 
Often times, those who lose a loved one to suicide feel different and alone. They are not.
Each year, over 31,000 Americans die by suicide and 1.4 million make a suicide attempt. It is estimated that for every one suicide death there are at least six new survivors. That means that each year over 180,000 lose a loved one to suicide. If all those who lost a loved one to suicide between 1995 and 2005 stood up together, along with all those who attempted suicide during this period, they would amount to over 8 million people.
Losing a loved one to suicide often makes one feel powerless. Many people struggle with feelings of guilt and "if only" thoughts. Unfortunately, we cannot bring our loved ones back - suicide is a very complex problem not easily untangled - but we can stand up and speak on their behalf, to prevent others from experiencing a similar fate. SPAN USA helps survivors and others advocate for suicide prevention, turning their grief to action, allowing them to become empowered once again.
Click here to learn more about SPAN USA's Public Policy priorities and current legislative issues.
Advocacy 101:
1. What is advocacy?: Advocacy is the work of advocating - supporting or speaking in favor of something.
2. Why do people advocate?
- To raise awareness
- Educate
- Change laws
- Obtain funding
- Improve services
3. How can I be a successful advocate?
- Know your issue
- Know what you want
- Know your representatives' position
- Know your facts, figures and statistics
- Know what others are saying about this issue
- Know who supports and who opposes
4. How can I communicate with my elected officials?
- Communicate with your elected officials via SPAN USA's Legislative Action Center*
- Write a letter to your legislator
- Phone/fax your legislators' office
- Write a letter-to-the-editor ( contact local editors )
- Visit your legislators' office
In order to be a successful advocate, it is important to understand how the legislative process works. Click here to learn about the basics of Capitol Hill. You might also want to purchase the National Mental Health Association's Advocacy Primer which is available for only $1.25.
Other Resources to Learn about Advocacy:
- Grassroots Tool Kit: A Manual on Event Planning, Coalition Building, and Grassroots Advocacy from the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights.
- Advocate's Guide to Grassroots Organizing During a Congressional Recess from the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights.
- Speak Out! - A guide to Advocacy Regarding Mental Health Policy from the Mental Health Association of Westchester County.
* In the past, SPAN USA delivered grassroots petitions to the Hill during our national conference. Please click here to learn why using the LAC can help make your advocacy efforts more effective.