Suicide Prevention Action Network USA

The Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (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 USA (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 the United States. Since the organization was founded, grassroots volunteers and staff have worked in communities, state capitols and in Washington, DC to advance its public policy response to the problem of suicide in America.

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Vision, Mission, and Values

Vision:

The Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA) envisions a world where suicide prevention is embraced as a public priority by all members of society, where people touched by suicide are supported, and where communities link awareness with action in order to save lives.

Mission:

SPAN USA is dedicated to preventing suicide through public education and awareness, community engagement, and federal, state and local grassroots advocacy. By empowering those who have been touched by suicide, SPAN USA seeks to advance the implementation of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.

Values:

SPAN USA believes in:

Opening minds through Social Justice and Respect;

Changing Policy through Collaboration and Action;

and Saving Lives through Community Responsibility

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

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