American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Missouri Chapter

08/16/2026

Being seen and supported for who you are isn't a luxury—it's life-saving. 🌈

Data continues to show that LGBTQ+ youth face disproportionate mental health risks compared to their peers. Creating affirming spaces and expanding access to tailored care isn't just important, it’s critical work we can do together to support the community.

🔗 Head to https://afsp.org/lgbtq-crisis-and-support-resources/ for mental health resources and support tailored for the LGBTQ+ community.

08/15/2026

Today marks the conclusion of the dual-conference event hosted by Postvention Collective and Journey Thru Grief, but the bonds formed and invaluable work will continue. The seminars bridged professional systems and survivor healing through collaboration, shared resources, and the power of storytelling.

Postvention Collective's "Connecting a Stronger Chain" provided practical frameworks for handling workplace and school trauma, navigating neurobiological grief responses, and replacing fear with actionable communication protocols. Journey Thru Grief's "Surviving Su***de Loss Together" focused on fostering peer connection, fellowship, and long-term community resilience among those navigating the aftermath of su***de bereavement.

We have been honored to actively listen to and connect with brilliant and compassionate champions for su***de prevention, mental health awareness, and support for postvention efforts. Much gratitude to Tracy Oeser's organization of such an impactful gathering, participants' incredible synergy, Pet Therapy of the Ozarks PTO's puppy love, and the Oasis Hotel & Conv. Center, Ascend Hotel Collection for their exceptional hospitality.
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08/12/2026

You are not alone in your healing journey. 💙

Healing Conversations offers a safe space for su***de loss survivors to speak openly and share their story with someone who understands firsthand the pain and complexity of su***de loss.

Our trained volunteers listen without judgment, share from personal experience, and help individuals feel less alone. Everyone grieves differently, and whether a loss was recent or it’s been years, we’re here to help su***de loss survivors navigate their healing journey.

Learn more at afsp.org/healingconversations 🔗

08/11/2026

If you are attending the St Louis Out of the Darkness walk and want your loved one’s photo displayed, please follow the directions below.

08/10/2026

Hard Hat Courage has teamed up with Construction Su***de Prevention Week (CSPW) to unite construction organizations across the country in raising awareness about su***de prevention, honoring lives lost, sharing practical tools, and creating workplace cultures where mental health and psychological safety initiatives match physical health safety commitments.

Hard Hat Courage CEO Advisory Committee members are hosting a nationwide Stand-Down event, prevention and awareness presentations like Toolbox Talks, and other activities in honor of CSPW 2026, nationally recognized September 14-18.

To register for free, virtual presentations of Talk Saves Lives: Construction hosted by AFSP National, please see the links below:
August 20 at 12:00 PM ET: https://talk-saves-lives-construction-8-20.attendease.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Klaviyo
September 15 at 1:00 PM ET (Spanish): https://tslconstruction-spanish-sept26.attendease.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Klaviyo
September 16 at 12:00 PM ET: https://talk-saves-lives-construction-ydvjq.attendease.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Klaviyo

A local Talk Saves Lives: Construction presentation will be held Tuesday, September 29, 2026 from 9 AM CT to 11 AM CT at Machinists Hall (12365 St. Charles Rock Road) in Bridgeton, MO. More details will be shared soon.

Curious about Hard Hat Courage or Construction Su***de Prevention Week? Check out these links: https://hardhatcourage.com/ and https://constructionsu***deprevention.com/

08/09/2026

Mark your calendars, because Caring Communities: Guidance for Supporting Survivors of Su***de Loss is being offered Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 5 PM (MST)/6 PM (CST)/7 PM (EST)! This free, virtual event shares actionable insights on navigating conversations, addressing cultural considerations, and implementing practical support strategies across diverse settings for loss survivors. For more information, visit afsp.org/caringcommunities 🫂

07/25/2026

Important information for the St Louis Out of the Darkness Walk.

07/21/2026

Great piece written by our board chair Lauren Ross. Please contact your legislators and ask for their support.

Deterrents like safety nets on bridges, parking garages and rail stations are proven ways to stop this often-impulsive act. | Opinion

07/02/2026

The American Foundation for Su***de Prevention Missouri Chapter is pleased to announce Lauren Ross as the new Chair of our Board of Directors.

Lauren has been an integral part of the AFSP Missouri Chapter for many years, serving with dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by su***de. Her leadership has helped strengthen our chapter and expand our impact across Missouri.

Lauren’s commitment to su***de prevention is deeply personal. After losing her father to su***de in 2002, she transformed her grief into purpose, becoming a passionate advocate for mental health, su***de prevention, and support for loss survivors. Through her years of volunteer leadership and service, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that no one has to face su***de loss or mental health challenges alone.

As Board Chair, Lauren will help lead our chapter’s efforts to expand education, advocacy, research, and community engagement throughout Missouri. We are grateful for her continued leadership and look forward to the vision, compassion, and dedication she brings to this role.

Please join us in congratulating Lauren on this well-deserved appointment as Board Chair. Together, we will continue working toward a future where su***de can be prevented and every person knows they are not alone.

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05/18/2026

We are set up at AAS being held in STL this week. We are excited to be representing AFSP. If you’re attending come see us!