AFSP National Capital Area
The AFSP National Capital Area Chapter serves the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. areas.
About the AFSP National Capital Area Chapter
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Through our nationwide network, we lead the fight to stop suicide through groundbreaking research, education, advocacy, community-based programs, and support for those impacted by suicide loss.
The National Capital Area Chapter (NCAC) serves Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., working to build a community that is smart about mental health and committed to preventing suicide.
At AFSP-NCAC, we are at the forefront of suicide prevention. As a volunteer-driven organization, we bring together families, mental health professionals, community leaders, business leaders, educators, and passionate advocates who share our commitment to creating a world without suicide. Funds raised through our chapter directly support lifesaving research, prevention programs, advocacy efforts, and support services for those affected by suicide.
Join us in the fight to stop suicide and give the gift of hope. Whether you volunteer, attend an event or program, advocate, donate, sponsor, or help spread awareness, your support makes a difference and helps save lives.
Chapter contact
Ellen Shannon Executive Director
[email protected]
Kristin Black Fundraising Manager
[email protected]
Larita Goodwin Board Chair
[email protected]
AFSP does not provide crisis response services. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate support, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
988lifeline.org
Dial 988
Upcoming events and activities
Featured Programs
Get help
Find support for yourself or those who may be at risk for suicide
Talk Saves Lives™
Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a community-based presentation that covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to help save lives.
L.E.T.S. Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities
L.E.T.S. Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for the Black Community is a designed to reduce stigma around suicide, foster conversations about mental health, and raise awareness for individuals who identify as Black or African American.
Preventing Suicide in Military Communities
Depression, PTSD, Bipolar, substance use disorder: these and other mental health conditions are serious illnesses, and are serious illnesses that warrant support and treatment. No combat necessary: more than half of military suicides involve soldiers who have never been deployed.
Preventing suicide in LGBTQ+ communities
AFSP is focused on sharing and expanding suicide prevention strategies, programs, research initiatives, and public policies to prevent suicide in LGBTQ communities and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ people.
It’s Real
It’s Real: College Students and Mental Health is a documentary featuring the stories of six college students from across the country, with an accompanying facilitator guide to support its use in educational programming.
Join the AFSP National Capital Area Chapter
Stories and updates
National Capital Area Survivor Day Events
Each year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) supports hundreds of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day events around the world, in which suicide loss survivors come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experiences.
National Capital Area Community Walks Fight Suicide: Register Today!
Join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in the fight to stop suicide. Register today for an Out of the Darkness Community Walk near you!
Venture Into Volunteering
When you volunteer with AFSP-NCAC, you join thousands who share your passion for saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Learn more about how to get involved, and become a critical part of our mission.
Local Resources for Seeking Help / Encontrar Ayuda
Learn more about local suicide prevention resources for those struggling and looking for mental health support in the national capital area.
Local Resources for Loss Survivors in the National Capital Area
View information about local resources for those who have been affected by suicide loss living in the National Capital Area (Washington, D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia).
Meet the AFSP National Capital Area Chapter Leadership
Meet the AFSP NCAC Board of Directors, striving toward a world without suicide one step at a time right here in the National Capital Area!
AFSP George Washington University Student Group
Learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) student chapter at The George Washington University, and how to get involved! Our mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Together we believe we can create a GW culture that is smart about mental health.
2025 AFSP National Capital Area Leading Lifesavers
The AFSP National Capital Area Chapter is grateful for all of our volunteers, fundraising-event participants and teams, donors, and sponsors who support our mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Here, we recognize the outstanding contributions of our 2025 Leading Lifesavers Club members.
National Capital Area Chapter Honored With Four 2025 AFSP Chapter Leadership Awards
Thanks to our dedicated supporters, the National Capital Area Chapter is honored to be recognized with the following 2025 AFSP Chapter Leadership Awards: Outstanding Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, Outstanding Chapter Public Relations, #5 Top Fundraising Walk: Washington, D.C., Century Club Walk: Fairfax, VA.