International Suicide Prevention Organization Nears 10,000 Facebook Fans

Aug. 15, 2011 - PRLog -- In September 2009, The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) created a Facebook Fan page for those who support suicide prevention locally and throughout the world. Since then, over 9,200 Facebook users have supported their cause.

The IASP has an unusual approach to recognizing new Fans. Each new Facebook Fan is welcomed individually by the page’s creator and administrator. In addition, new Facebook Fans are offered personalized, printable Certificates of Appreciation, thanking them for their support.

The IASP Facebook Fan Page has been a source of comfort to those who have lost a loved one to suicide as Fan page members are given the opportunity to offer encouragement and kind words to each other. In addition, the Page is a valuable resource for the latest developments in suicide prevention.

IASP Facebook Fan page creator and administrator, Kenneth Hemmerick,  says, “When this page was started, the basic idea was to offer a safe environment where people, who have been touched by suicide in one way or another, could find comfort and resources. “ He continues, “I am amazed at the consistently- high quality of support Fans give each other.”

Hemmerick adds, “Our goal is to have 10,000 Fans by World Suicide Prevention Day, which is held every year on September 10th. We only need less than 800 Facebook users to achieve this goal. If you are a Facebook users and support suicide prevention, we invite you to become one of our Fans by clicking the ‘Like’ button on our Fan page."

World Suicide Prevention Day is co-sponsored by the IASP and the World Health Organization (WHO). It is estimated that this year’s event will include thousands of participants in over 40 countries.

IASP Facebook Fan Page - http://facebook.com/IASPinfo
World Suicide Prevention Day  - http://iasp.info/wspd

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The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that includes suicide prevention professionals and volunteers from more than 50 countries and is in official relations with the WHO.