Last week the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) announced that it will be spending $6.44 million in research this year.
According to Cision PR Newswire, AFSP announced that there would be 37 new research grants. In all, $23.7 million is being spent on studies. The new projects were given to researchers all around the world who are dedicated to the study of suicide and how to prevent it.
“AFSP shapes suicide prevention strategies around the world through our state-of-the-art research portfolio and by funding, supporting and influencing the most innovative and forward-thinking researchers and methodologically sound studies," AFSP Vice President of Research Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman told Cision PR Newswire. “It's scientific research that informs AFSP's education programs that are presented in schools, workplaces and other settings across the country. It's through research that we know how to best support those who have been affected by suicide. AFSP was founded as a research organization dedicated to exploring how to save lives. Today, we continue to build on what we've learned and answer the most important question of all: how to create a world without suicide.”
Applications are reviewed by top suicide researchers, and grants are funded through small donations, with some receiving funding from the National Institute of Mental Health.
This year the research grants focused on areas including neurobiological, genetics, psychosocial, clinical treatment, loss survivor and community intervention. In the grants, there are studies about suicide assessments and interventions for underrepresented communities. There is also a study on the use of technology, as well as the drug ketamine and its effectiveness. Also studied are psychosocial factors, material and perineal transition, brain and biological functions, firearm safety and its effect on suicide prevention.
These projects were awarded to researchers around the globe and are announced during “ROctober,” which is the month AFSP recognizes those who are involved in studying and fighting suicide through research. AFSP will be holding its international summit on suicide research later this month.
