The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Jed Foundation announced plans to merge into the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention/The Jed Foundation, or AFSP/JED.
The merger of equals, subject to approval by the New York State Attorney General, will create the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention across the lifespan. The organizations expect the combination to be completed by fall 2026.
Suicide ranks as the 10th leading cause of death overall and the second leading cause for young people in the United States. The new organization aims to save more lives through unified research, education, advocacy and support.
“AFSP/JED will uniquely serve our country and local communities through effective suicide prevention approaches and the knowledge and expertise of our incredible teams, resources, and program areas,” said John MacPhee, who will lead the combined organization as CEO.
MacPhee currently serves as CEO of JED. Bob Gebbia, CEO of AFSP, will stay on as Immediate Past CEO through his retirement on Jan. 15, 2027, to support integration.
The combined entity will have an annual operating budget of approximately $75 million and net assets of roughly $140 million. JED’s Chair Michael Satow and AFSP’s National Board Chair Ray Paul Jr. will serve as co-chairs for one year, after which Satow will become board chair.
AFSP brings a national chapter network, research funding, policy influence and support programs for people of all ages. JED specializes in youth mental health and suicide prevention in schools, colleges and digital spaces. Together they will deliver a coordinated national strategy from youth through adulthood.
The organizations share deep roots. Both were founded by suicide loss survivors. AFSP is now the world’s leading private funder of suicide research, with 73 chapters and 56,000 volunteer advocates. JED partners with nearly 1,500 schools and organizations, reaching 10 million youth through its Comprehensive Approach.
The two groups have collaborated for years on campaigns such as Seize the Awkward, which encourages young adults to talk openly about mental health. They also work together through the National Council for Suicide Prevention.
In Maryland, the AFSP chapter runs educational programs, advocacy efforts and support for suicide loss survivors. The chapter organizes the annual Southern Maryland Out of the Darkness Walk, scheduled for Nov. 1, 2026, in Historic St. Mary’s City. The merger is expected to strengthen local resources for schools, families and communities in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.
The Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act and other state initiatives have increased focus on mental health. Suicide remains a leading cause of death for young people in the region. The new AFSP/JED will expand evidence-based programs that connect people to care, reduce stigma and support those affected by loss.
The organizations said the merger represents “a bold leap forward” at a time of urgent need. “While our organizations could continue to make a positive impact operating separately, this merger will enable us to better fulfill our mission of saving lives and bringing hope to people impacted by suicide across the entire lifespan,” Gebbia said.
AFSP/JED will focus on six key areas: providing knowledge and skills, advancing research, implementing systems-level approaches, promoting youth mental health, fostering healing for those affected by suicide, and driving policy change.
