Suicide Prevention Action Network

The Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN USA) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preventing suicide through public education and awareness, community action and federal, state and local grassroots advocacy. The organization was founded in 1996 by Gerald and Elsie Weyrauch of Marietta, Georgia, survivors of the suicide of their 34-year-old physician daughter, Terri. Their goal was to create a way for survivors of suicide - those who have lost someone to suicide - to transform their grief into positive action to prevent future tragedies.

The Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN USA) is the nation's only suicide prevention organization dedicated to leveraging grassroots support among suicide survivors (those who have lost a loved one to suicide) and others to advance public policies that help prevent suicide. The organization was created to raise awareness, build political will, and call for action with regard to creating, advancing, implementing and evaluating a national strategy to address suicide in our nation.

SPAN USA's network is comprised of people in communities across the country: survivors; people who have attempted suicide or struggled with suicidal thoughts, and their families; professionals serving families and communities; community leaders; and concerned citizens. Since the organization was founded, grassroots volunteers and staff have worked in communities, state capitols and in Washington, DC to advance our public policy response to the problem of suicide in America.