Illinois Wins Chapter of the Year
The Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention won Overall Chapter of the Year at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s National Leadership Conference. This award recognizes the exceptional efforts in the areas of: prevention, survivor support, research support, awareness, advocacy, and fundraising. The Illinois Chapter won this award over the sixty-three American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Chapters across the United States!
The Illinois Area Director of AFSP, April Jervis, MBA said, “I couldn’t be prouder of the work the work our Board of Directors, Walkers, Volunteers, and Supporters have done! They have all done a wonderful job and their award is well earned! I am so proud. Thank you all.†April Jervis, MBA was the winner of the Rock Star Award at the Conference for her exceptional dedication to her job. April is also notable for having one of Chicago’s most popular individual twitter accounts @AprilJervis. The Illinois Chapter tweets @AFSPIL.
The Illinois Chapter Board of Directors are Judson Ely, MBA, Steve Moore, Esq, Dr. Richard Kirchhoff, DDS, Dr. Zane Muhl, PhD, DDS, Carla Craig, LCSW, MSW, Erika Barber, MAT, Erica Marks, Megan Graf, Michaela McRaith, Esq, Anne Gulotta, Alyssa Relyea, MA, Chuck Roper, and baseball legend Tommy John. Biographies of board members can be found at www.AFSPIL.org.
Outstanding Support of Research
In addition to this exceptional honor the Illinois Chapter won Outstanding Support of Research Award. This recognizes the Chapter’s efforts to share AFSP funded research in the community. This includes our Research Connection event, LGBT Symposium, & Research Highlighted in our walk programs and newsletters.
Dr. Zane Muhl, PhD, DDS, Co-chairperson of the Illinois Chapter Board of Directors said, “I am so proud of the energy, accomplishments & devotion of everyone involved in the Illinois Chapter.â€
#1 Out of the Darkness Community Walk
Last but not least the Illinois Chapter won the top walk award for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Community Walk. This is one of twenty walks organized by the chapter in Illinois and one of thousands across the US. The Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk raised over $628K! That is more than any AFSP community walk has ever raised before! It’s twice as much as the number two walk! The Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Community Walk tweets @AFSPChicago.
Erika Barber, MAT, Illinois Chapter Board Member and Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Community Walk Co-Chairperson said, “I know our Walker’s commitment to the cause and their passion to continue the legacies of their loved ones lost will continue in this year. I encourage everyone to register now for the 2014 Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Community Walk and we’ll once again break national records as we break the silence surrounding suicide and mental health issues.â€
Statewide Record Breaking Success
Combine with the other 19 Out of the Darkness Community Walks across Illinois the Illinois Chapter raised over $800K, far more than any other chapter.
Chuck Roper, Illinois Chapter Board Member said, “I am proud of the over $800,000 in walk donations raised last year! Blast off for Illinois in 2014!â€
Illinois’ Future work for Suicide Prevention
April Jervis, MBA, Illinois Director of AFSP said, “With the communities continued support we can beat this in 2014!â€
Registration for this year’s Chicagoland Walk is at www.ChicagoWalk.org. Registration for the other already scheduled 2014 Out of the Darkness Community Walks in Illinois can be found at www.WalkInIllinois.org.
To RSVP to the Illinois Chapter’s Annual Volunteer Gathering, the Chapter’s in person volunteer orientation on March 22nd at Hilton Chicago visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VolunteerGathering. This training will be videotaped for the benefit of those that cannot make it to Chicago.
If you or someone you love is in crisis please go to the nearest emergency room, dial 911, or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Denver, February 2014. Click Here for Award Event Photo Album on Facebook.
