"AAS is a membership organization for all those involved in suicide prevention and intervention, or touched by suicide. AAS is a leader in the advancement of scientific and programmatic efforts in suicide prevention through research, education and training, the development of standards and resources, and survivor support services."
 

Our Purpose

Why is there a need for the American Association of Suicidology?

Official statistics show that more than 36,000 Americans kill themselves every year. The true figure is probably higher. The number of non-fatal suicide attempts is considerably greater, often resulting in serious injuries, trauma to families and friends, and economic loss to our society.

Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24, and is the 10th leading cause of death overall.

Suicide occurs across all ages, economic, social and ethnic boundaries.

Surviving family members not only suffer the trauma of losing a loved one to suicide, but are themselves at potentially higher risk of suicide and emotional problems.

Most suicidal persons give definite warnings of their suicidal thoughts, but those closest to them are either unaware of the significance of these warning or do not know how to respond to them.