AFSP’s Local Chapter Invites Those Who've Lost Loved Ones to Suicide a Place to Heal Together

Northeastern NY -- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide research and prevention organization in the U.S., invites those who have lost a loved one to suicide to participate in a day of healing at an International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (Survivor Day) event held on or near the day’s observance on Saturday, November 18. Eight events across the northeastern region of New York, including a virtual option, will be a part of the nearly 300 events taking place worldwide this year.

Survivor Day is held on the Saturday before American Thanksgiving each year, as the holidays can be especially difficult for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. On this date, survivors of suicide loss are encouraged to come together to find comfort as they share stories of healing and hope. The observance is marked with events where attendees can join their local communities to find understanding and connection through their shared experiences.

“Being around other survivors of suicide loss helps to reminds you that you are not alone on this healing journey, and that there are others who understand this loss,” shares loss survivor and Chapter Board Chair Dan Egan. Egan has organized and participated in numerous Survivor Day events over the years.

Local Survivor Day events offer attendees the opportunity to learn coping strategies, explore grief and discover resources to help with each unique healing journey. These events will also hold screenings of a new AFSP-produced documentary showcasing relatable stories of loss, hope and healing. Local Survivor Day events are closed to the media. These events encourage attendees to openly and honestly share their stories in order to drive grief support and healing, so AFSP strives to protect the privacy of those in the room.

Survivors can register for one of the many different events happening across the region and join other people who have lost loved ones to suicide: Albany for veterans/first responders or those who have experienced the loss of a veteran/first responder, Albany for general survivor audience, a Virtual American Sign Language (ASL) offering, Massena, Queensbury, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Troy, and a general Virtual option. A Virtual Through a Jewish Lens offering will take place Nov. 19.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day was created by an Act of Congress in 1999 following the passage of a resolution introduced by Senator Harry Reid, whose father took his own life in 1972. To learn more about Survivor Day, visit survivorday.org. Those interested in attending a local event can register here. For more information about your local Survivor Day event(s) contact the AFSP Capital Region NY chapter HERE or email survivorday@afsp.org. For more Information about AFSP Capital Region NY Chapter go to www.afsp.org/crny.

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.