New York Congressman John Katko Given "Allies in Action" Award by Nation's Largest Suicide Prevention Organization

News provided by

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Jun 14, 2016, 07:43 ET

WASHINGTON, June 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On average, one person dies by suicide every five hours in the state of New York. The nation's largest organization dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention gave a Federal Allies in Action Award on Tuesday, June 14 to Congressman John Katko, of New York's 14^th district, for his dedication to suicide prevention. Representative Katko lost his niece to suicide.

Pictured (From Left): Beth Kazel, AFSP Area Director Sarah Clark, Meghan Monahan, Tricia Lynch, Stacey Ronczy, Representative John Katko (R-NY), Fred Merservey, Kathleen Feeney, Sean Gerrow, AFSP Area Director Ann Morrison, AFSP Area Director Laura Marx

"We're pleased to honor Congressman Katko for his leadership in Congress in making mental health a priority and standing up for the rights and needs of people with mental illness and their families. We look forward to seeing what other great accomplishments will come of his hard work," said Bob Gebbia, AFSP CEO.

Representative Katko is a supporter of the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act (H.R. 2646), and is an outspoken supporter of mental health and suicide prevention.

Suicide in New York
Over twice as many people die by suicide in New York annually than by homicide. Suicide cost New York a total of $1.8 billion of combined lifetime medical and work loss cost in 2010, or an average of $1.1 million per suicide death. Suicide is the 12^th leading cause of death overall in New York.

** Photos of the award being presented available upon request. **

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, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. 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.