The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) 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.

To fully achieve its mission, AFSP engages in the following Five Core Strategies:

• Funds scientific research
• Offers educational programs for professionals
• Educates the public about mood disorders and suicide prevention
• Promotes policies and legislation that impact suicide and prevention
• Provides programs and resources for survivors of suicide loss and people at risk, and involves them in the work of the Foundation

In 2010, 2,753 individuals died by suicide in the state of Florida. Death by suicide is the 9th leading cause of death for all Floridians, and the 2nd leading cause of death for state residents aged 25-34.

Combining local and national efforts, our chapter promotes the mission of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Our Board of Directors, Chapter Members, and volunteers are a group of individuals dedicated to bringing awareness and prevention of suicide to the Central Florida community. The AFSP Central Florida Chapter proudly serves the counties of Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties.

We work tirelessly in many different areas to ensure the AFSP mission is carried out to its full potential, reaching those in need and supporting those who have been impacted by the suicide of someone close. Our chapter facilitates educational presentations on mental health conditions and suicide to diverse groups and organizations. We host two AFSP signature events throughout the year: the Annual Survivors of Suicide Day Conference, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and the Out of the Darkness 5k Community Walk each February.

http://www.afsp.org/cfl