American Association of Suicidology to Widen the Lens of Suicide Prevention at Annual National Conference in Chicago

Registration now open for attendees to participate in person or virtually April 27 – 30, 2022

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2022 — The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) opened registration for AAS22, its 55th annual conference, to be held April 27 – 30, 2022, in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. At its annual conference, AAS provides the time and space for everyone — clinicians, researchers, those with lived experience, public health officials, impacted family and friends, and others — to connect and learn about ways in which we can all address the various factors that can cause suicide in the U.S. and abroad while also discovering and sharing ways to prevent suicide and save lives. 

The conference will take place via a hybrid format, allowing attendees from across the globe to safely participate in these critical discussions either in person with COVID-19 protections in Chicago or virtually from their homes and offices. This versatile approach will broaden AAS’ conference access at such a pivotal time for vulnerable communities impacted by the strains of the pandemic and other societal and health issues.

“At AAS22, we will be focusing on the intersection of science and lived experience and how we can widen the lens of suicide prevention to create more inclusive opportunities to share diverse research, voices and approaches for addressing the crisis of suicide,” said AAS22 Conference Chair, AAS Board Member and Impacted Family & Friends Division Chair Annemarie Matulis. “We are looking forward to gathering that expertise to explore the historic implementation of 988 — a life-saving, national three-digit number that will impact the way people in crisis access care — and collaborate and inspire new ideas and approaches that honor and examine suicide prevention through scientific and innovative practices.”

In 2019 (the latest year for which there is finalized data) there were 47,511 suicide deaths in the U.S., which is about one death every 11 minutes. In the same year there were nearly 1.4 million suicide attempts. Today, research does not yet reflect how the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest and economic downturn have affected suicide deaths in the U.S. and abroad. However, by hosting this conference, AAS is gathering suicidologists to determine methods and solutions for addressing this toll on communities and discover how we can better care for individuals in crisis. 

AAS22 will focus on blending a variety of content and speakers, including new and innovative research and intervention practices. The conference will meet the needs of the field’s diverse communities while convening subject matter experts in suicide prevention to spur dialogues, make connections and expand networks to achieve a shared vision and goal. Workshops, presentations and exhibitors will introduce new research and forward-thinking approaches to build upon a strong science, public health, and a lived experience foundation to advance the field of suicide prevention.

In memory of Robert I. Yufit, Ph.D, ABPP, former AAS president and well-known suicidology researcher and practitioner, the Yufit family is sponsoring 10 suicidology service, recognition and crisis services awards which will be presented at AAS22 at a special awards dinner event. “We’re thrilled to continue the legacy to honor our father’s commitment to the understanding and prevention of suicide,” said Dr. Yufit’s children Lisa, David and Aveva Yufit.

To learn more about AAS22 and register today, visit aasconference.org.

AAS invites individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to join us in person in Chicago. The health and well-being of AAS22 attendees, staff, sponsors and exhibitors remains a top priority. With a close eye on the latest world and local conditions, new technologies and personal safety concerns, AAS is prepared to make adjustments as necessary. The current policy is in response to the City of Chicago’s current vaccine requirement. The Public Health Order is set to remain in effect until the City of Chicago/Suburban Cook County is past the omicron-driven surge and the risk of overwhelming hospital capacity has subsided.

For the media: Responsible reporting on suicide, including stories of hope and resilience, can prevent more suicides. Please visit the Suicide Reporting Recommendations for more information. For additional information, please visit SuicideReportingToolkit.com.

About AAS: The American Association of Suicidology is the world’s largest membership-based suicide prevention organization. Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. The membership of AAS 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 a variety of laypersons who have in interest in suicide prevention. You can learn more about AAS at www.suicidology.org.

Contact:
Chris Maxwell
Director of Public Relations and Media
cmaxwell@suicidology.org