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Front End Fundraiser: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

For the month of October we will be supporting The Vermont Chapter of The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.   The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention was founded in 1987 and is the leading national not for profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education, and advocacy and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.  The funds raised will help AFSP continue with: national research, advocacy, and development of new education and local survivor programs.

In the United States, a person dies by suicide every 13.7 minutes, claiming more than 38,000 lives each year. It is estimated that an attempt is made every minute; with close to one million people attempting suicide annually. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. among adults 18-65, and the second leading cause of death among teens and young adults. The suicide rate among U.S. military members rose sharply in 2012, with an average of one suicide per day.

Suicide is a public health issue that does not discriminate by age, gender, ethnicity, or socio- economic status, and it takes an enormous toll on family, friends, co-workers, and the entire community.

Through grassroots work AFSP focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by: delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide.  AFSP organizes local Out of The Darkness walks nationally  to raise awareness and education about suicide prevention as well as helps organize local survivor support groups and resources for those left behind.

As a part of AFSP’s growing nationwide network of chapters, the Vermont chapter bring together people from all backgrounds who want to prevent suicide in our communities. Families and friends who have lost someone to suicide, vulnerable individuals, mental health professionals, clergy, educators, students, community/business leaders, and many others energize our chapter.

Now through the end of October, just ask your cashier and donate whatever amount you would like. Each donation gets posted up in the Front End of the store and goes directly to  the Vermont Chapter of AFSP to help fund Suicide prevention.

Thank you for supporting The American Foundation For Suicide Prevention!