WASHINGTON – Sept. 26, 2024 – The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jody Gottlieb as Interim Executive Director. Jody succeeds Leeann Sherman, who served as President and CEO. In her new role, Jody will provide leadership and direction during this transition period, ensuring the continued fulfillment of the organization’s mission to prevent suicide and promote mental health awareness.
Supported by senior leadership team members Katherine Delgado, Chief Program and Information Officer, and Bonnie Benetti, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Jody will focus on strengthening the organization’s internal operations, expanding partnerships, and advancing critical initiatives.
Hudson Harris, Chair of the AAS Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Jody’s leadership capabilities. “Jody brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our mission. Her strategic vision and steady leadership will be crucial as we navigate this period of change.”
Previously serving as AAS’s Chief Strategy and Communications Officer, Jody played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration across the organization and advancing AAS’s vital work in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy.
“I am honored to step into this role at such a critical time for AAS,” said Jody Gottlieb. “We are united in our mission to save lives and support communities, and I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team and partners to continue this important work.”
About the American Association of Suicidology (AAS)
Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, the American Association of Suicidology is the world’s largest membership-based suicide prevention organization. AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education, and training for professionals and volunteers. Its membership includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center professionals, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and laypersons interested in suicide prevention.
We believe that the only way for the field of suicidology to reduce suicide and build lives worth living for BIPOC is to dismantle systems of oppression.
The purpose of the American Association of Suicidology is to prevent suicide and better understand its causes, while supporting those who have been affected by it. We seek to build lives worth living. It is critical to embrace a world where Black, Brown and Indigenous lives matter. We can only do this by dismantling systems of racism and oppression that implicitly or explicitly endorse the individual biases and racist systems that marginalize and erase the experiences and contributions of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). These are the same systems that actively destroy the physical and mental wellbeing of BIPOC. We pledge to recognize and address the intersectionality of the impact of suicide and its prevention when we traditionally have not as a field, even though we certainly should have.
We believe that the only way for the field of suicidology to reduce suicide and build lives worth living for BIPOC is to dismantle systems of oppression. Systemic racism not only affects how we understand and provide access to mental health care and crisis support, it frames how suicide and mental health are conceptualized, how resources including funding get allocated, and what questions are deemed worthy of research funding. Furthermore, we pledge to examine AAS’s structure and operation to understand how racist and oppressive systems are embedded in our functioning in order to shift our own organization to have anti-racist perspectives and practices.
As a predominantly and historically white organization, AAS, its board, staff, and leadership understand that we must deepen our commitment and resolve to include the voices and experiences of our BIPOC members. AAS must lead by example when it comes to inclusivity, diversity, and equity and demonstrate to current and future members that this is an organization committed to doing the work to dismantle systemic racism.
The AAS Board, Staff and Leadership pledge to:
Continue our current work with Dr. Pata Suyemoto and other knowledgeable advisors to create an anti-racist organization
Diversify the Board of Directors, leadership, staff, and our membership
Continue to work on Board and leadership development related to anti-racism and equity
Examine and reevaluate policies and practices at all levels of the organization, including governance, programming, fundraising, communications, recruitment and operations, and member engagement through a lens of anti-racism and equity
Highlight BIPOC voices and perspectives at the annual conference and throughout organizational activities
Acknowledge and engage the Indigenous people whose homelands on which we stand and meet as an organization, including returning time and space at the annual conference to Native people as invited speakers, breakout sessions and hosted events
Create recognition and accountability for the historical harms done to BIPOC by mental health, public health, social work, and other fields central to suicidology
Listen to and engage with BIPOC to respond to their needs
Continue to engage with members and the public with live stream events to increase access to activities and to respond to concerns of BIPOC communities in real-time
Amplify the voices of BIPOC engaged with suicide prevention, intervention and postvention
Continue to improve our accreditation standards to ensure crisis centers are addressing diversity, inclusivity, and equity
Develop scholarships (research, conference attendance, etc.) for BIPOC members
Advocate for funding for research to understand and address the factors that contribute to BIPOC suicide
Discuss and encourage intervention and prevention research and initiatives specific to the culture and beliefs of BIPOC populations
Recognize the ways that intersecting marginalized identities may impact BIPOC and to engage them across disciplines, including BIPOC suicide attempt survivors and survivors of loss in all parts of the organization
This is your AAS. The Board, leadership, and staff pledge to remain transparent in our efforts to create real, anti-racist, decolonized outcomes for the organization, our members, and suicide prevention at large.
The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) commends the Biden-Harris Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for launching the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (National Strategy) and accompanied by the first-ever Federal Action Plan. This landmark initiative, developed in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, is a pivotal step in addressing the urgent and growing public health crisis of suicide in the United States.
With over 49,000 lives lost to suicide in 2022 alone, the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to suicide prevention has never been more critical. The National Strategy outlines specific recommendations and priorities to bridge existing gaps and cater to the needs of at-risk populations, while the Federal Action Plan identifies 200 discrete actions for implementation and evaluation over the next three years.
Leeann Sherman, President & CEO of the American Association of Suicidology, stated, “The development of the first-ever Federal Action Plan for Suicide Prevention stands as a testament to the dedication and cooperation among federal agencies, public and private partners, and key stakeholders. Together, we are making significant strides in addressing the complexities of suicide and safeguarding lives.”
The National Strategy prioritizes health equity, aiming to mitigate the higher suicide risks faced by Veterans, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those individuals with disabilities, among others. It underscores the importance of cross-sector partnerships and the engagement of individuals from those with lived experience.
Sherman added: “As an organization dedicated to suicide prevention, intervention, and support, we are committed to work alongside with government agencies, private sector organizations, and communities to implement the Federal Action Plan and reduce the incidence of suicide, support those affected by suicide, and to empower all toward resilient lives, inspiring hope and preventing suicide through the advancement of suicidology.”
To learn more about the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and Federal Action Plan, visit www.hhs.gov/nssp.
For media inquiries or further information, contact Jody Gottlieb American Association of Suicidology jgottlieb@suicidolgy.org
In the wake of the tragic loss of Nex Benedict, AAS urges communities to come together and take meaningful action to prevent further instances of bullying and LGBTQ+ youth suicides. While Nex’s passing is deeply saddening, it serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for collective efforts to foster safety, understanding, and acceptance for all.
Nex’s story underscores the critical importance of addressing the pervasive issue of bullying in our schools and communities. Bullying can have devastating effects, particularly on LGBTQ+ youth, who often face heightened risks and challenges. It is incumbent upon all of us to recognize the signs of bullying and intervene proactively to create environments where every individual feels valued and supported.
“We mourn the loss of Nex Benedict and extend our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones,” said Leeann Sherman, President & CEO of AAS. “Their passing compels us to recommit ourselves to the work of creating inclusive spaces where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive without fear of discrimination or harm.”
Creating a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth requires a concerted effort from everyone. Each of us has a role to play in reducing stigma, promoting acceptance, and fostering empathy. By actively engaging in conversations, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and standing up against discrimination, we can collectively work towards a future where every young person feels affirmed in their identity and experiences a sense of belonging.
“We cannot afford to be passive bystanders,” emphasized Sherman. “Now more than ever, we must stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to their well-being.”
AAS calls upon individuals, schools, and communities to take concrete steps towards creating safer, more inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. Whether it is implementing anti-bullying policies, offering resources and support services, or fostering dialogue and education on LGBTQ+ issues, there are countless ways to make a positive impact.
As we mourn the loss of Nex Benedict, let us honor their memory by turning our grief into action. Together, we can build a future where every young person feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
If you are currently experiencing a crisis, in need of help or know someone who does, contact your local crisis line or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline via text or dial 9-8-8 or visit 988lifeline.org.
The 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, provides new information regarding suicide mortality among Veterans and non-Veteran U.S. adults, from 2001 through 2021.
In 2021, 6,392 Veterans died by suicide, an increase of 114 suicides from 2020. When looking at increases in rates from 2020 to 2021, the age- and sex-adjusted suicide rate among Veterans increased by 11.6%, while the age- and sex-adjusted suicide rate among non-Veteran U.S. adults increased by 4.5%. Veterans remain at elevated risk for suicide. These numbers are more than statistics — they reflect Veterans’ lives prematurely ended, which continue to be grieved by family members, loved ones, and the Nation.
“The American Association of Suicidology supports the efforts to prevent veteran suicide,” said AAS President & Chief Executive Officer, Leeann Sherman, MPS, CAE. “The most recent data solidifies the need to provide more support and resources for our veterans and their families. One Veteran suicide is one too many.”
