Utah State Capitol Day

Each year, State Capitol Day events bring advocates together with state and local public officials to share information and urge that suicide prevention be made a priority. Each event is customized with the help of the AFSP Public Policy Office to meet each state’s unique needs and legislative priorities. State Capitol Day events can be hosted by a single AFSP chapter, organized by several chapters within a state, or done in coordination with partner mental health and suicide prevention organizations.

As part of our State Capitol Day events, advocates have the opportunity to meet with their legislators and speak about legislative and policy issues that need support. Because of these personal connections between advocates and lawmakers, state bills have been enacted that now ban the practice of conversion therapy, require suicide prevention policies and personnel training in K-12 schools, increase suicide prevention on college and university campuses, require insurance plans to treat mental health and physical health equally, and create statewide suicide prevention offices and task forces. Many thanks to our advocates who make their voices heard each year at State Capitol Day events!