American Association of Suicidology Names U.S. Rep. Grace F. Napolitano Recipient of 2018 Public Policy Award

WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES, April 10, 2018 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The leadership and members of the American Association of Suicidology (AAS), are proud to announce Grace F. Napolitano as the distinguished recipient of the 2018 AAS Public Policy Award. This Award honors Napolitano’s dedication, service, and commitment to suicide prevention throughout her public service career. AAS President, Julie Cerel, PhD, will present the award to the congresswoman during AAS’s 51st Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 9:45 a.m.

Napolitano’s leadership roles focusing on suicide prevention include membership of the Executive Committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) – the nation’s public-private partnership for suicide prevention, Co-chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, and Co-Lead of the newly created, bipartisan House Suicide Prevention Task Force.

“Rep. Napolitano’s commitment to advancing the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and saving lives from the tragedy of suicide in the U.S. is incredible,” said Dr. Jerry Reed, Senior Vice President at EDC and Action Alliance Executive Committee Member. “It is our hope that other influential leaders follow Rep. Napolitano’s footsteps to advance suicide prevention in this country.”

“Rep. Napolitano clearly deserves this recognition due to her extensive work on the Hill on behalf of the suicide prevention field. From improving access to crisis services to enhancing federal investments in suicide prevention, the congresswoman has gone to great lengths to ensure fewer people are impacted by this massive public health issue,” said Julie Cerel, PhD, AAS President.

AAS anticipates over 1,500 attendees to this year’s conference in the heart of political advocacy. Speakers and sessions will focus on the theme of integrating science, experience and political will and will encourage tangible action with regard to preventing suicide. Academics, researchers, crisis center professionals, and survivors of suicide loss and attempts, will convene to discuss the future of suicide prevention.

For the media: We urge members of the media to share suicide prevention resources in all of their reports. Responsible reporting on suicide and the inclusion of stories of hope and resilience can prevent more suicides. You can find more information on safe messaging around suicide here.

About AAS: Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes suicide as a research discipline, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. The membership of AAS includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center volunteers, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and a variety of lay persons who have in interest in suicide prevention. You can learn more about AAS at www.suicidology.org.

Colleen Creighton
American Association of Suicidology
202-237-2280
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