An update from the Chapter in preparation for  National Suicide Prevention Week
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, the Boston Police Department and Boston Police Foundation have partnered with AFSP Greater Boston to provide support and resources to all 3,000 BPD Officers and personnel. To honor National Suicide Prevention Week, a press conference will be held on Monday with Commissioner William G. Gross as a special guest.  All are welcome to attend.  

Press Conference Info:
Monday, September 10th at  11:00am
City Hall Plaza, Boston
Additionally, AFSP, BPD and the Boston Police Foundation are asking all Boston Police officers to wear a remembrance  band on their badges to raise awareness for suicide prevention, education and support and to  honor lost law enforcement officers. Please see below for the press release with more on our partnership.
 

Contact: Sgt.John Boyle, johnt.boyle@pd.boston.gov
Dana Jackson Cohen, danajacksoncohen@gmail.com
 
Boston Police Officers Observe National Suicide Prevention Week
   
Boston, MA , September 6, 2018 - This September the Boston Police Department, in collaboration with the Boston Police Foundation and the Greater Boston Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention , will be observing National Suicide Prevention Week (September 9-15). A press conference is scheduled for Monday, September 10, 2018 at 11am at City Hall Plaza.
 
"National Suicide Prevention Week is an important opportunity to elevate the conversation about suicide prevention and mental health, and we encourage all officers to get involved," said William G. Gross, Boston Police Commissioner.
 
To support these efforts, all Boston Police Department personnel will be provided with the following resources: remembrance and awareness bands that will be displayed on their badges during the month of September and Lifesavers Manual Wallet Brochures with information about the risk factors and warning signs for suicide as well as where to go for help in case of a suicidal crisis. This campaign will honor lost law enforcement officers and promote suicide prevention, education and support.
 
"We are honored to be partnering with the Boston Police Department and the Boston Police Foundation to support their suicide prevention efforts," said Maggie Mortali, MPH, director of the Interactive Screening Program at AFSP. "Police officers are accustomed to servicing others, and this is an opportunity to help spread awareness and ensure that all officers stay healthy and strong."
"The Boston Police Foundation is dedicated to officer safety and wellness, and suicide prevention is part of that," said Nancy Reno, CPM, Vice Chair of the Boston Police Foundation . "We are honored to be partnering with the Boston Police Department and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to support the health and wellness of our officers."
 
Suicide in Massachusetts
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15-34 in Massachusetts. Suicide cost Massachusetts a total of $728,322,000 of combined lifetime medical and work loss cost in 2010, or an average of $1,217,930 per suicide death. More than four times as many people die by suicide in Massachusetts annually than by homicide.
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About the Boston Police Foundation
The Boston Police Foundation was formed in 1993 to provide private financial support for critically needed resources to the Boston Police Department, the oldest police department in the country. Our supporters help fund special equipment, advanced training, new technology, officer safety and wellness, and youth outreach programs not covered in its annual budget.

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through 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 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
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Can't make it to the press conference on Monday? Tune in via Facebook Live on the  AFSP Boston Chapter page at 11am! 
To learn more about the Greater Boston Chapter of AFSP or to walk with us in an Out of the Darkness Walk this Fall, visit www.afsp.org/boston.

© American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is the leader in the fight against suicide. We fund research, offer educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has 75 local chapters with programs and events nationwide. Review our Annual Report to learn more about AFSP's life-saving work, and join the national conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.