Washington, D.C. (November 10, 2014) – TheAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the leading suicide research and prevention organization in the U.S., invites you to a special screening and panel conversation about The Journey,the 2014 International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day film, at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17 in Washington, D.C.  The event will provide a forum to discuss the impact of loss on those left behind, and their role in the fight against suicide.

WHY:         The 16^th annual International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year, is the one day a year when people affected by suicide loss gather at events in their local communities to find comfort as they share stories of healing and hope. This year, AFSP will hold over 275 events worldwide on November 22, 2014.  According to the most recently released CDC report, suicide annually claims the lives of more than 40,000 people, which makes suicide the 10th leading cause of death for Americans.

WHEN:      6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 17, 2014

WHERE:    AFSP Public Policy Office, 440 First Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

WHO:        AFSP Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Christine Moutier, along with suicide loss survivors featured in the documentary, and the film’s producer

WHAT:      A panel discussion and screening of AFSP’s compelling new 30-minute documentary.  See trailer:  The Journey

RSVP:        Media must RSVP for this event. Please email aobrien@afsp.org to RSVP

You can find more information about Survivor Day by visiting survivorday.org.  International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day was created by an Act of Congress in 1999 following passage of a resolution introduced by Senator Harry Reid, whose father took his own life in 1972.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is the leader in the fight against suicide. We fund research, create educational programs, advocate for smart public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has 67 local chapters with events nationwide. Review our Annual Report to learn more about AFSP’s life-saving work. Join the national conversation on suicide by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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For media requests:Alexis O’Brien,AFSP Public Relations Director, 347-826-3577, aobrien@afsp.org

Media Advisory: 004