Suicide Prevention Action Network
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The Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN USA) is a 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 1996 by Gerald and Elsie Weyrauch, whose 34-year-old daughter, Terri, died by suicide. SPAN USA is "dedicated to preventing suicide through public education and awareness, community action and federal, state and local grassroots advocacy."
SPAN's theme is "Opening Minds. Changing Policy. Saving Lives."
The Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN USA) is the nation's only suicide prevention organization dedicated to leveraging grassroots support among suicide survivors (those who have lost a loved one to suicide) and others to advance public policies that help prevent suicide. The organization was created to raise awareness, build political will, and call for action with regard to creating, advancing, implementing and evaluating a national strategy to address suicide in our nation. Since the organization was founded, grassroots volunteers and staff have worked in communities, state capitols and in Washington, DC to advance our public policy response to the problem of suicide in America.
[edit] Staff
Jerry Reed, Executive Director
Brian Altman, Director of Public Policy and Program Development
Lindsay Paulette-Chapman, Development Coordinator
Jason H. Padgett, Field Development Coordinator
Karin Schild, Administrative Assistant
[edit] 2007-2008 SPAN USA Public Policy Priorities
Continued authorization of the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act (PL 108-355)
$10.0 million to the National Institute of Mental Health for Suicide Prevention Research Funding
Passage of mental health parity legislation
$1.5 million for CDC to expand the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS)
Legislation on senior suicide early intervention and prevention
