Advocates to Visit Vermont State Capitol to Share Resources to Help Fight Suicide

News provided by

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Feb 15, 2017, 07:52 ET

MONTPELIER, Vt., Feb. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Suicide is the 8^th leading cause of death in the state of Vermont. To help prevent this tragic loss of life, volunteer advocates from the Vermont chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are visiting the state capitol on Thursday, February 16^th to share resources and information about suicide prevention with their legislators.

"This special day is so important to bring awareness and support among our state legislators to make suicide prevention and mental health promotion a priority. As a survivor of the suicide death of my son, I know that the more knowledge there is, the more we can reduce the suicide losses in Vermont," said Linda Livendale, chair of the AFSP Vermont chapter. Ms. Livendale lives with her husband in Barre Town, VT and has a daughter and son-in-law of Essex Junction, Vermont.

This is the third time AFSP is participating in a State Capitol Day in Vermont. The event in Montpelier is part of a larger advocacy day along with the Vermont Suicide Prevention Center, Representative Anne B. Donahue, the Vermont Department of Mental Health and the Vermont Suicide Prevention Coalition. Ms. Livendale is 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 Vermont
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15-34 in Vermont, and the fourth leading cause of death for people aged 35-54. Over six times as many people in Vermont die by suicide than by homicide. On average one person dies by suicide every four days 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.