The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Honors Senator Christopher Murphy (D-CT) for Exceptional Service

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Jun 24, 2015, 08:32 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 27 hours in Connecticut. 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 Senator Christopher Murphy (D-CT) for his 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.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Honors Senator Christopher Murphy (D-CT) for Exceptional Service

"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 Senator Murphy'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 Senator Murphy, and allows local community members, who have lost a family member to suicide, to show their gratitude for his leadership in suicide prevention and access to mental health services."

Since the 2012 fatal school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, Senator Murphy has made mental health a priority for his legislative agenda. In March, Senator Murphy worked with Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) on a budget amendment that sets the stage for a comprehensive reform of our nation's mental health system. Over the last several months, Senator Murphy has been working to develop major, bipartisan mental health legislation that he will, along with Senator Cassidy, introduce later this year.

"Expanding access to mental health services is one of the single most important steps we can take to prevent suicide. In its current state, our public mental health system is failing, letting more than half a million people with serious mental illness slip through the cracks," said Senator Murphy. "For the most powerful and most affluent country in the world, that is unacceptable. It's time to make a real commitment to improving mental health services for the men and women in Connecticut and across this nation who need our help, which is why I'm working hard to comprehensively reform our nation's mental health system. I look forward to building on the great work that the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has already done to help countless individuals and help make continued progress on their critically important mission."

Suicide in Connecticut
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 25-34 in Connecticut, and the 14^th leading cause of death in the state. Suicide cost Connecticut a total of $410,800,000 of combined lifetime medical and work loss cost in 2010, or an average of $1,163,740 per suicide death.

Senator Murphy was recognized with this award along with Senator Wicker (R-MS), and Representatives Leonard Lance (R-NJ), and Doris Matsui (D-CA).

** 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, and join the national conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.