The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Honors Senator Donnelly's Military Legislative Assistant Rachel Lipsey 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 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 Staff Award to Rachel Lipsey, Military Legislative Assistant to Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IN), for her exemplary staff work in the US Senate on legislative issues related to the prevention of suicide and access to mental health care services. 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 their staff who have helped us push suicide prevention to the forefront of our legislative process. With contributions from Senate staff leaders like Rachel, 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 congressional staff like Rachel Lipsey, and the valuable role she plays in support of Senator Joe Donnelly and his efforts in suicide prevention and access to mental health services."

Only two awards were given in this category for this year's annual awards ceremony. Ms. Lipsey was recognized with this award along with Jonah Cunningham, the health legislative assistant for Representative Grace Napolitano (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.