, /PRNewswire/ -- is hosting its from , in Nearly 250 Volunteer Advocates from across the country will gather at the nation's capital to call on Congress to prioritize lifesaving suicide prevention and mental health policies. On , Advocates will meet with over 250 Congressional offices to share their personal stories and urge them to co-sponsor and support vital legislation for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the full continuum of crisis care. AFSP will also honor members of Congress and their staff who have been critical and leading champions in the efforts to support the 988 Lifeline and suicide prevention.
Preventing suicide is an urgent public health matter. In 2022, by suicide, making it the 11 leading cause of death in the country. , which provides behavioral health support to people who experience or want to support someone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, across .
After enacting the three-digit dialing code in , the 988 Lifeline received nearly four million contacts during its first year in use, which was a 33 percent increase from the year before. It is an intervention proven to save lives. During meetings with members of Congress and their staff, AFSP Volunteer Advocates will call for support on legislation that will increase awareness, local response rates and wraparound services for the 988 Lifeline.
This legislation includes: "It's inspiring to work together with advocates from all over the country.