Rockville, MD (September 22, 2021)—The Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose (CSOO) welcomes the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) as a new member of the coalition. Founded in 1987, AFSP is a voluntary organization that provides individuals affected by suicide with a nationwide network and community of support. Since its inception, AFSP has grown to include state chapters in all 50 states, filling a key role at the community level to provide education, connection and resources on mental health and suicide prevention. In service of its core objective to bring hope to those affected by suicide, AFSP places research, education, and advocacy at the forefront of its organizational focus. Throughout its history, AFSP has reached millions of individuals affected by suicide, funded groundbreaking research on suicide prevention, educated local communities and media about the topic of suicide prevention, and used its public policy arm to influence legislative and policy changes at the federal, state, and local levels.
“We are excited to welcome AFSP as the newest member of the coalition,” said Dr. Shawn Ryan, Chair of the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s (ASAM) Legislative Advocacy Committee. “Due to its depth of knowledge about mental health and suicide prevention, AFSP brings a highly valued voice to the coalition. AFSP also brings an expansive national network which it uses to broaden its support system, educate discourse and shape better public policy outcomes.”
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About the Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose
The Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose is a coalition of local, regional and national groups that are committed to advancing meaningful legislative and regulatory policies in response to the opioid overdose epidemic. The Coalition seeks to address the U.S. opioid overdose epidemic by engaging policy makers, public health leaders, chronic pain and addiction specialists, individuals in and seeking recovery and family members, so that legislation and policies get the support and funding needed.