news

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Co-Chair of the Congressional Addiction, Treatment and Recovery (ATR) Caucus, today joined in a training titled, Caring Communities: Guidance for Supporting Survivors of Suicide Loss. The training — hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Capital Region NY Chapter in collaboration with the ATR Caucus and the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus — delivered information, resources, and practical guidance for attendees, including congressmembers and staff, on how to best support and interact with someone who has experienced a loss to suicide.

“I first became an advocate for mental health treatment during my time in the New York State Assembly, after meeting a bright, vibrant young man, Timothy O’Clair,” Congressman Tonko said. “Timothy suffered from significant mental health challenges and, due to a lack of mental health parity, lost his health care coverage. As a result of losing that coverage, he completed suicide. He was 12 years old. His spirit inspired me to write and advance Timothy’s Law in New York State, one of the first mental health parity laws in the nation.

Tonko continued, “Right now, every 11 minutes one person dies by suicide making suicide one of the top 8 leading causes of death for people aged 10 to 64 in 2023. Behind each statistic is a person. And behind each loss, a circle of loved ones, friends, and entire communities left to grieve.

“They deserve our compassion, care, and commitment, which is why today’s training is so important. I’m so grateful to our Capital Region NY Chapter of AFSP for bringing their expertise and resources so that we in Congress can provide the support our communities need and deserve.”

The training was led by Dan Egan, AFSP Board, and Loss and Healing Council Chair, and Ali Walker, AFSP National Chapter Leadership Council. Congressman Tonko is a longtime supporter of AFSP Capital Region NY, and earlier this year received their 2025 Joe Albert - Starfish Award.