AFSP-Northern California
Welcome to the Northern California chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The chapter represents the area from San Luis Obispo to the Oregon border.
The Chapter welcomes you to join us in our efforts to increase knowledge and reduce the stigma of suicide. Our efforts are a mixture of education, fundraising, promoting awareness, providng outreach to survivors, developing resources for researchers and above all creating a sense of community throughout Norther California as we work together toward a common goal.
We are dedicated to raising funds for suicide prevention research and educational programs, erasing the stigma surrounding suicide and its causes, and encouraging those who are suffering from mental illness to seek treatment.
Experts estimate that a suicide attempt is made every minute, and a person in the United States dies by suicide every 16 minutes. Mental illnesses, such as depression and bi-polar disorder, affect millions of people including those we work with, socialize with, love, and admire. When accompanied with the widespread stigma that surrounds them, these mental illnesses isolate their victims, causing feelings of helplessness and despair that many people don't feel comfortable sharing with their friends or family.
Please help us work to change the view of mental illness and try to prevent suicide through research and education. Peruse our website and see what we are working on here in the Northern California area.
Volunteer support is vital to our success. Browse this site to learn more about how you can get involved. We welcome your suggestions and comments. Please contact Valerie Kovacovich at vkovacovich@afsp.org for more information.
