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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Earns Prestigious Recognition from Suicide Prevention Research Center (SPRC) for Talk Saves Lives Program

September 8, 2025 – 3 min read

By AFSP

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Sept. 10, 2025 (New York, NY) – AFSP’s flagship education program, Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention (TSL), recently earned recognition from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) on its Best Practices Registry (BPR). The TSL program is advancing suicide prevention with 94% of program participants indicating a likelihood of contacting a crisis service for themselves or others--a 43% increase compared to before attending the program.  

This recognition is a remarkable milestone for AFSP and Talk Saves Lives. Programs and interventions listed on BPR go through a multi-expert review process to ensure that they align with current suicide prevention best practices, national frameworks, and community-informed approaches. 

Talk Saves Lives equips communities across the country with a clear understanding of the scope of suicide, the latest research on warning signs and risk factors, and evidence-based strategies that can save lives. Through this program, AFSP empowers people in all walks of life to play a role in suicide prevention. 

“We’re extremely honored that our program has been recognized by the experts at the Suicide Prevention Resource Center,” said Trisha Calabrese, AFSP SVP of Programs. “This accolade affirms the impact Talk Saves Lives is making in communities nationwide, helping people understand how suicide can be prevented and bringing lifesaving knowledge to more families, workplaces, schools, and organizations. As we head into Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, it’s AFSP’s goal to reach even more individuals with these critical resources that are tailored to the communities affected most by suicide.”

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Originally established in 2015, the program was refreshed in 2024, based on feedback from presenters, content experts, and people with lived experience, resulting in a more inclusive presentation and design with additional strategies and examples for how to have a conversation about suicide. The program is now offered in a variety of customizable formats tailored to specific audiences, including rural communities, college students, healthcare workers, indigenous communities, service members, or LGBTQ+ communities. To reach more at-risk populations, the program was adapted for the construction industry and provides an overview of suicide in the construction industry, risk factors and warning signs of suicide, and strategies to prevent it. Registration is currently open for sessions in September. Learn more and register here.  

Since its launch in 2015, Talk Saves Lives has continued to expand its reach and impact nationwide. Highlights include: 

  • In 2024 alone, the refreshed Talk Saves Lives program was delivered nearly 1,000 times, reaching almost 29,000 individuals. 
  • 93% of participants reported gaining new knowledge, and 72% said they learned at least two or more new concepts, according to surveys. 
  • The program is engaging new audiences, with 44% of participants reporting they had never attended a suicide prevention training or presentation before. 
  • Since its inception, Talk Saves Lives has reached more than 335,000 people nationwide.  

To access resources and learn more about Talk Saves Lives, visit: https://afsp.org/talk-saves-lives/.  

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About 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, with its Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C. 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, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.