Advocates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Visit State Capitol to Encourage Suicide Prevention Policy

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Mar 19, 2015, 12:46 ET

TRENTON, N.J., March 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Each year in the United States, suicide claims over 40,000 lives – more than war, murder, and natural disasters combined. In New Jersey, one person dies by suicide every 12 hours. On Thursday, March 19, 2015, volunteers from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will visit the state Capitol in Trenton during the annual AFSP-New Jersey State Capitol Day. Advocates will have meetings with lawmakers to encourage them to prioritize suicide prevention and programs that support reducing suicide in the state.

"Suicide is not just a faceless health issue for our society - it affects real people. We hope that by bringing people who have been personally affected by suicide in the Capitol, we will help make suicide prevention a priority for the state lawmakers – an effort that will save lives," said Lorraine Mackin, AFSP New Jersey Area Director.

Suicide in New Jersey
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people ages 15-34 in New Jersey, and the fourth leading cause of death for people aged 35-44. Suicide cost New Jersey a total of $813,656,000 of combined lifetime medical and work loss cost in 2010, or an average of $1,131,650 per suicide death. Almost twice as many people die by suicide in New Jersey annually as by homicide.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention leads the fight against suicide. We fund research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has 75 local chapters with programs and events nationwide. Review our Annual Report to learn more about AFSP's lifesaving work, and join the national conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.