What is National Survivors of Suicide Day?
National Survivors of Suicide Day is a day of healing for those who have lost someone to suicide. It was created by U.S. Senate resolution in 1999 through the efforts of Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, who lost his father to suicide. Every year, AFSP sponsors a program so the survivor community can come together for support, healing, and information.
When is National Survivors of Suicide Day?
It's always the Saturday before American Thanksgiving. The 12th annual National Survivors of Suicide Day will be Saturday, November 20, 2010.
Which cities participate?
A list of participating cities can be found here. If there isn't a site in your area, please consider organizing one. All of the information you need to get started is right here. If there is already a site in your community, just send an email to the contact person listed -- they can always use more help.
Can I watch the program on my home computer now?
Yes, the programs from previous two years are available as free webcasts that can be viewed at anytime. Click here to watch. You may also purchase them on DVD from the AFSP Store for $19.95. (The 2009 program will be available for purchase in January 2010.)
National Survivors of Suicide Day
On Saturday, November 21, 2009, 240 simultaneous conferences for survivors of suicide loss took place throughout the U.S. and internationally. This unique network of annual healing conferences helps survivors connect with others who have survived the tragedy of suicide loss, and express and understand the powerful emotions they experience.
Each annual conference site is organized locally, but they’re all connected in spirit as participants across the globe watch a special 90-minute AFSP broadcast together on National Survivors of Suicide Day. Many conference sites plan their own local programs and activities around the broadcast, including panels and breakout groups, all aimed at helping survivors heal.
For those survivors of suicide loss who don't live near a conference site or who find it difficult to attend in person, the 90-minute broadcast is also available live on the AFSP website on National Survivors of Suicide Day from 1-2:30 pm, Eastern Standard Time, with a live online chat immediately following the program. It is then saved online so that survivors can watch it again throughout the year at anytime. The 2008 webcast is also available for viewing in Spanish.
Save The Date:
12th Annual National Survivors of Suicide Day
Saturday, November 20, 2010
| Watch Now - 2009 & 2008 Webcasts 2008 broadcast is now available in Spanish Vea el 2008 webcast en español |
The problem of suicide knows no national or cultural boundaries, so we invite survivors from around the world to join with us in mutual support and healing on National Survivors of Suicide Day. Please click here to learn how.
If you have questions please email survivingsuicideloss@afsp.org.
If you would like to organize a local conference site, please visit www.afsp.org/survivorconference.
