Extend a Lifeline to Suicide Loss Survivors: How to Support the Alliance of Hope by Heather Shadur

Make a Difference
6 years ago

Extend a Lifeline to Suicide Loss Survivors: How to Support the Alliance of Hope

The Alliance of Hope (AOH) provides healing, compassionate support to people who have lost loved ones to suicide. The nonprofit was founded in 2008 as a grassroots effort – by suicide loss survivors for survivors. It has become the leading online source of support for the suicide bereaved.

There are more than six million survivors of suicide loss in the U.S. alone, but historically, little attention has been paid to the need for suicide aftercare. Recent studies show that suicide loss survivors are 80 percent more likely to drop out of school or quit their job and 64 percent more likely to attempt suicide than individuals grieving sudden losses by natural causes.

Researchers are beginning to understand what many loss survivors already know: suicide "postvention" is prevention. Every day, thousands of people visit AOH's informational website seeking support after suicide. Our community forum is overseen by a mental health professional, and operates like a 24/7 support group. It is often the only support available for those who live in rural areas – and many call it their "lifeline."

Want to help suicide loss survivors get healing support? Learn more about our Extend a Lifeline campaign.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.

Saying Goodbye to Fashion Icon Kate Spade: A Life Cut Short by Suicide

Suicide Awareness: 5 Things I Learned After the Loss of a Friend From Suicide

Suicide Prevention: We Can't Afford to Stay Silent! Watch This!

No Veteran Left Behind: #BeThere Campaign Encourages Us to Take Note of Veterans at Risk for Suicide

Donna John
Thank you for opening our eyes to the needs of suicide loss survivors, @heather. What a great organization.
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thank you so much for bringing our attention to this wonderful organization, Heather Shadur .
Nicole DeAvilla
Heather Shadur thank you for letting us know about this service. The more we talk about suicide, prevention and "postvention" the better.
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you, Heather Shadur , for sharing this info about the Alliance of Hope! So good to know there is a resource that helps suicide loss survivors get healing support. Dieter Schmitz and I just made a donation to help continue this amazing work. Thank you and welcome to our #30Seconds tribe. We hope you will share more posts with us so we can keep spreading this vitally important information throughout our community and beyond! xoxo
Heather Shadur
Thank you so much Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds, for giving us a chance to increase awareness about the work we are doing to help suicide loss survivors. We are grateful for your and Dieter's kindness and generosity, and thrilled to be part of this wonderful community!

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Bye, Felicia: 4 Things You Need to Give Up This New Year to Live a Better Life

Traditional Sweet Italian Easter Bread Recipe With Colored Eggs

Sweet Bunny Bread Recipe: A Fun Easter Craft That You Can Eat

“Become the Fire” Book Signing at The Book Stall: Building Community Has Never Been So Much Fun