The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Honors Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) for Exceptional Service

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Jun 24, 2015, 08:14 ET

WASHINGTON, June 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Each year in the United States, suicide claims over 41,000 lives – more than war, murder, and natural disasters combined. On average, one person dies by suicide every two hours in California. On Tuesday, June 23, 2015, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, presented the Allies in Action Congressional Award to Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) for her exemplary work in preventing this leading cause of death. More than 240 AFSP volunteer field advocates from all 50 states were in attendance as part of the organization's Advocacy Forum.

"For six years we have been honoring members of Congress and policymakers who have helped us push suicide prevention to the forefront of our legislative process. With contributions like Representative Matsui's, we are much closer to achieving our goal of reducing the suicide rate 20 percent by the year 2025," said John Madigan, AFSP vice president of public policy. "This award recognizes the invaluable contributions made by Congresswoman Matsui, and allows local community members, who have lost a family member to suicide, to show their gratitude for her leadership in suicide prevention and access to mental health services."

Representative Matsui is being recognized for introducing the Excellence in Mental Health Act which was signed into law by President Obama on April 1, 2015. This law ensures that Mental Health Parity is a reality by improving quality and expanding access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment through community mental health clinics. The legislation established a two-year demonstration program in eight states to offer a broad range of mental health and substance use disorder services like 24-hour crisis psychiatric services, while setting new high standards for providers.

Suicide in California
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 25-34 in California, and the 11^th leading cause of death in the state. Suicide cost California a total of $4,246,494,000 of combined lifetime medical and work loss cost in 2010, or an average of $1,085,227 per suicide death.

Congresswoman Matsui was recognized with this award along with Senators Murphy (D-CT) and Wicker (R-MS), and Representatives Leonard Lance (R-NJ).

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

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention leads the fight against suicide. We fund research, offer 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 life-saving work. Join the national conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.