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According to a national survey released today by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), nearly half of all Americans had a close friend or relative who attempted suicide.

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"More than 30,000 suicides occur in the U.S each year, making it the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the third leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds," said David Shaffer, MD, Irving Philips Professor of Child Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York and AFSP President.

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The survey was made possible through an educational grant from Pfizer Inc.

SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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