The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Honors State Representative Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills, OH) for Exceptional Service

News provided by

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Jun 24, 2015, 08:03 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, from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, presented the Allies in Action State Award to State Representative Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills, OH) 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 elected officials at all levels in government who have helped us push suicide prevention to the forefront of our legislative and regulatory process. With contributions like State Representative Anielski'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 Representative Anielski, not only in public policy, but in raising the importance of mental health issues in her home state of Ohio."

State Representative Anielski is being recognized for her steadfast support of suicide prevention and leadership over the past four years on HB 543 (2012), HB 149 (2013), HB 609 (2014), and this year's HB 28, which together have significantly raised awareness of suicide as a public health problem and expanded youth suicide prevention initiatives in Ohio.

Suicide in Ohio

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death overall in Ohio. Suicide cost Ohio a total of $1,736,643,000 of combined lifetime medical and work loss cost in 2010, or an average of $1,206,840 per suicide death.

State Representative Anielski was recognized with this award along with State Representatives Steve Eliason (R-Sandy, UT), and Tina Orwell (D-Des Moines, WA).

** 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.