Advocates to Visit Trenton to Request Resources to Help Fight Suicide

News provided by

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Mar 15, 2017, 15:56 ET

TRENTON, N.J., March 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly twice as many people die by suicide in New Jersey than by homicide. To help prevent this tragic loss of life, volunteers from both New Jersey chapters of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are hosting a table with information for members of Congress and their staff to learn about how to prevent suicide in the state. The advocates will be in the Rotunda of the Capitol all week from the 13-16 of March from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Media interested in interviewing the advocates are invited to visit the table.

"AFSP is committed to working with the legislature and other state departments and agencies to ensure that quality mental health services are accessible to all who live in New Jersey," said Nicole McQueen, volunteer with AFSP. "Suicide, and the heartache it causes to families, loved ones and coworkers, is something we can prevent if we work together."

The advocates are part of a larger national movement of AFSP volunteer advocates who will be visiting 35 state capitols across the United States in spring 2017 to bring best practices in suicide prevention to state legislators.

Suicide in New Jersey
Suicide is the 11^th leading cause of death overall in New Jersey. For people aged 10-34 in New Jersey, it is the third leading cause of death. For those aged 35-44, it is the fourth leading cause of death. On average one person dies by suicide every 11 hours in the state.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. AFSP celebrates 30 years of service to the suicide prevention movement. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.