Vermont Business Magazine Suicide is the 8thleading cause of death in the state ofVermont. To help prevent this tragic loss of life, volunteer advocates from theVermontchapter of theAmerican Foundation for Suicide Preventionare visiting the state capitol onThursday, February 16thto share resources and information about suicide prevention with their legislators.
"This special day is so important to bring awareness and support among our state legislators to make suicide prevention and mental health promotion a priority. As a survivor of the suicide death of my son, I know that the more knowledge there is, the more we can reduce the suicide losses inVermont," saidLinda Livendale, chair of theAFSP Vermontchapter. Ms. Livendale lives with her husband in Barre Town, VT and has a daughter and son-in-law ofEssex Junction, Vermont.
This is the third time AFSP is participating in a State Capitol Day inVermont. The event inMontpelieris part of a larger advocacy day along with theVermont Suicide Prevention Center,Representative Anne B. Donahue, theVermont Department of Mental Healthand the Vermont Suicide Prevention Coalition. Ms. Livendale is part of a larger national movement of AFSP volunteer advocates who will be visiting 35 state capitols acrossthe United Statesin spring 2017 to bring best practices in suicide prevention to state legislators.
Suicide inVermont
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15-34 inVermont, and the fourth leading cause of death for people aged 35-54. Over six times as many people inVermontdie by suicide than by homicide. On average one person dies by suicide every four days in the state.
The American Foundation for Suicide Preventionis dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEORobert Gebbiaand headquartered inNew York, AFSP haslocal chaptersin all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. AFSP celebrates 30 years of service to the suicide prevention movement. Learn more about AFSP in its latestAnnual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram, andYouTube.
SOURCE MONTPELIER, Vt.,Feb. 15, 2017/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --American Foundation for Suicide Prevention