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2023-2024 Public policy priorities

The following four overarching pillars will guide AFSP’s public policy and advocacy priorities for the next biennium. Click here for a printable version.

  1. Research, Surveillance, Data Collection, and Infrastructure
  2. Access to Care and Services
  3. Diverse, Underserved, and Disproportionately Impacted Communities and Populations
  4. Project 2025

Within each of these four pillars, AFSP targets upstream prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery policies. AFSP also seeks to be inclusive of all individuals across the lifespan affected by suicide, with a focus on those in diverse, underserved, and disproportionately impacted communities and populations as well as those with lived experience. AFSP recognizes that the trauma, loss, bias, disparities, and other unique challenges that certain populations continue to face can contribute to risk for suicide. AFSP is committed to breaking down these barriers and inequities and to addressing the specific needs of these communities and populations in the development of policy solutions for preventing suicide and suicidal behavior (attempts and ideation), and for promoting healing and providing care and support for those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

The priorities were developed by the AFSP Public Policy Council and policy staff and have been approved by the AFSP National Board to be in alignment with AFSP’s strategic plan. This document is intended to be used by advocates, partners, and public officials at all levels of government (federal, state, and local) as a resource for identifying policy opportunities to better promote suicide prevention and improve mental health.

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Research, Surveillance, Data Collection, and Infrastructure

Designing and implementing effective national and state suicide prevention strategies requires a comprehensive understanding of who is dying by suicide and when.

This priority pillar includes:

  • State infrastructure
  • Architectural barriers and structures
  • Federal funding

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Access to Care and Services

Geographic distancing, social isolation, inadequate access to mental health care providers, limited medical facilities, and social stigma can all contribute to suicide risk.

This priority pillar includes:

  • 988 and crisis services
  • Telehealth
  • Mental health parity
  • Workforce expansion

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Diverse, Underserved, and Disproportionately Impacted Communities and Populations

AFSP fights against discriminatory policies and seeks to learn from and with diverse individuals and communities how to best promote mental health and prevent suicide in underserved areas.

This priority pillar includes:

  • First responders, corrections staff, and frontline healthcare workers
  • LGBTQ individuals and communities
  • Veterans, servicemembers, and their families
  • Children, teens, and young adults

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Project 2025

With guidance from the top minds in the field and dynamic data modeling, AFSP has identified and prioritized critical areas where suicide risk can be potentially reduced for the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time.

This priority pillar includes:

  • Firearms
  • Healthcare systems
  • Emergency departments
  • Corrections systems

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Advocate for suicide prevention

Learn how our volunteer Field Advocates are helping to pass suicide prevention legislation and policies that can save lives

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