From the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of Greater Philadelphia Board Chair, Sonya Bohmann discussed their work in Funding scientific research, educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention, advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention and supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide.   We discussed the impact COVID had on our mental health, numbers that are still coming in.  While overall deaths by suicide are decreasing within some groups, they are seeing more younger people being affected.  Just past the first anniversary of the national roll-out of the 988 free emergency hot line, she described how it’s working and what to expect when you call it.  She reminds us that anyone can call, whether you are in crisis, or you’re concerned about a friend, a relative or a co-worker.
We talked about their newest campaign, Talk Away the Darkness, sparking real conversations about mental health; she assures us that you can do no harm by asking.  We also talked about  the programming they offer to groups and schools for all ages.  Finally, we discussed the upcoming Out of The Darkness Walk on Sunday October 1st at the Philadelphia Art Museum. The sign-up link is open and you can walk in person or virtually.  You can also volunteer or help by just supporting a team or registered individual.  To learn mora about their work, go to afsp.org/chapter/greater-philadelphia