A Q&A with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
with Lesleigh Knotts, Mental Health Program Coordinator at Cobb Collaborative, and Chelsea Piatt, Georgia Associate Area Director
As we recognize Suicide Prevention Month, it’s essential to highlight the incredible work being done by organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). To gain deeper insight into the efforts to raise awareness and save lives, we spoke with Chelsea Piatt, Georgia Associate Area Director at AFSP. In this Q&A, Chelsea shares details about the impactful initiatives AFSP has spearheaded this month, addresses some common misconceptions surrounding mental health and suicide, and provides actionable ways for individuals to get involved in the fight to prevent suicide.
Read on to gain valuable insights from our conversation with Chelsea Piatt, as she discusses the vital work of AFSP and how we can all play a role in suicide prevention. And remember, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is always available for anyone in need of support.
1. Can you share some of the key initiatives that AFSP Georgia has been working on this year for Suicide Prevention Month? How do these efforts impact the local community?
“The mission of AFSP is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Throughout the year, AFSP Georgia along with the chapters all across the nation work to move this mission forward through suicide prevention education, advocacy and public policy efforts, support for survivors of suicide loss and through funding of scientific research to help us learn more about suicide prevention. Our prevention education programs are available to community groups and members along with our resources for loss survivors and information for those who may be struggling. This year, AFSP is urging everyone to join our growing movement and help us save lives by inviting people to participate in one of the nearly 500 Out of the Darkness Walks (OOTD) taking place across the country. This year, AFSP Georgia has a total of 9 walks scheduled across the state to bring resources an awareness to our communities here in Georgia.”
2. What are some of the most common misconceptions about suicide and mental health that AFSP aims to address in its outreach and education?
“At AFSP we hope to raise the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. Many communities and cultures are still hesitant to speak about suicide and address their mental health. 1 in 4 individuals will struggle with a mental health condition during their life, so it impacts more of us than we may realize! It is not a sign of weakness to seek help but rather, a sign of strength to take care of your mental health. With our programming and resources, we hope to educate the community about safe ways to communicate about suicide to create a culture that is smart about their mental health.”
3. How can individuals get involved in AFSP Georgia’s mission to prevent suicide, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or fundraising?
“There are many ways for individuals to become involved with AFSP Georgia! We have various volunteer opportunities across our committees including our Prevention Education Committee, Loss & Healing Committee and Public Policy Committee. We host a lot of events throughout the year where we look for volunteers to help with pre-event planning as well as day of events. Community members can also sign up to be an advocate for AFSP Georgia where we share local initiatives to support mental health. Individuals and businesses are invited to make donations to our chapter through our Out of the Darkness Walks and general chapter donations. You can learn more about our walks at www.afsp.org/GeorgiaWalks!”
4. What role does collaboration with local organizations, schools, and businesses play in amplifying your efforts to promote suicide prevention awareness?
“AFSP Georgia works to partner with local organizations through our programming, Out of the Darkness Walks, Advocacy work and supporting suicide loss survivors and those with live experience. Our prevention education programs are available for everyone and teach the community about common risk factors, warning signs and what they can do to help others. We have programs and resources specific for schools and their students to help educate them to be smarter about their mental health and teach school staff how to be aware of mental health conditions that the students might be struggling with. We work with local businesses to sponsor our events and provide additional resources for their associates as well as logo placement at our events.”
5. As we work to reduce stigma around mental health, what message do you hope to send to those who may be struggling or those who want to support loved ones facing mental health challenges?
“It is okay to not be okay and you are not alone! AFSP Georgia has resources and support for those who are struggling with their mental health and for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. We are working to create a sense of hope in the community and provide resources. If you or someone you know is struggling, please dial 988 to be connected with a trained counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also connect with the Crisis Text Line by texting ‘TALK’ to 741741 to be connected with trained counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Please visit www.afsp.org for additional information about our organization and more ways to get involved and find resources.”
6. Anything else you would like to add?
“We have several Out of the Darkness Walks coming up this fall! We would love to have you join us!
Pauling County Walk – Saturday, 10/19
Northeast Georgia Walk – Sunday, 10/20
West Georgia Walk – Sunday, 10/27
Atlanta Walk – Sunday, 11/3
We will also be hosting events for International Survivors of Suicide Loss day on Saturday, 11/23. More information will be released as we finalize plans. Please visit www.afsp.org/Georgia for our upcoming events and a link to volunteer with us!”
We are so appreciative of Chelsea with AFSP for having this conversation on such a critical topic. As we wrap up this conversation, it’s clear that suicide prevention requires all of us to stay informed, compassionate, and ready to take action. By breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, supporting one another, and sharing resources, we can make a real difference. Together, we have the power to save lives and bring hope to those who need it most.
To find more information about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, please visit their website and check out their Instagram page at afsp_ga.
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to 988 via text, call or chat.