News release
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a leading suicide research and prevention organization in the U.S., invites those who have lost a loved one to suicide to participate in a day of healing at an International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (Survivor Day) event held on or near the day’s observance on Saturday, November 18.
Our Hays area event will be a part of the nearly 300 events taking place worldwide this year. It will be held at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall at 2350 E. 8th, on November 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Survivor Day is held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year, as the holidays can be especially difficult for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. On this date, survivors of suicide loss are encouraged to come together to find comfort as they share stories of healing and hope. The observance is marked with events where attendees can join their local communities to find understanding and connection through their shared experiences.
“Survivor Day is a great event that brings those together that are grieving, dealing, healing and understanding .We all share a common bond that connects us. The holidays are coming up and suicide rates tend you go up around this time of year; it is especially important that we are getting together and learning coping, healing and prevention skills. The biggest thing we want everyone to know is that they are not alone.”
Local Survivor Day events offer attendees the opportunity to learn coping strategies, explore grief and discover resources to help with each unique healing journey.
The Hays events will also hold a screening of a new AFSP-produced documentary showcasing relatable stories of loss, hope and healing, and include a speaker and lunch. It is a safe and comfortable environment with others who are trying to heal and who want to connect with those that have gone through the same thing. It helps us all to work toward healing, accepting, understanding and prevention for our future generations.
Survivors can learn more and register for the event at hays-kansas.isosld.afsp.org.
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day was created by an act of Congress in 1999 following the passage of a resolution introduced by Senator Harry Reid, whose father took his own life in 1972. To learn more about Survivor Day, visit survivorday.org. For more Information about American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, go to www.afsp.org.
About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest annual report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.