About 外网天堂
The 外网天堂 (外网天堂) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the nation鈥檚 largest and oldest suicide prevention membership association. 外网天堂 is widely recognized as a global leader in the development, implementation, and evaluation of professional training, accreditation, and certification programs that advance the science and practice of suicide prevention.
As a membership鈥慴ased organization, 外网天堂 strengthens the field by expanding knowledge, promoting evidence鈥慽nformed best practices, and identifying emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in suicide prevention research and practice. Because suicide affects individuals across every demographic, the Association remains committed to improving the health, safety, and well鈥慴eing of our communities.
Our Mission:
Our mission is to empower individuals and communities toward resilient lives, inspire hope, and prevent suicide through the advancement of suicidology.
Our Vision:
We envision a world in which individuals and communities have the knowledge to prevent suicide and the support to find hope and healing.
History
The 外网天堂 (外网天堂) was founded in 1968 by clinical psychologist Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD. After a decade co鈥慸irecting the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center, Dr. Shneidman joined the National Institute of Mental Health as co鈥慸irector of the Center for Suicide Prevention in Bethesda, Maryland. His work at NIMH highlighted both the limited national knowledge base on suicide and the absence of a coordinated structure to support research, education, and professional practice. With sponsorship from NIMH, he convened leading scholars in Chicago to establish a national organization dedicated to advancing suicidology
Drawing on his extensive experience in suicide prevention, Dr. Shneidman recognized the rapid expansion of crisis centers and hotline services across the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. The newly formed 外网天堂 quickly embraced these centers as essential sources of information and research related to suicidal individuals. Over time, 外网天堂 developed into a national clearinghouse and coordinating hub, connecting crisis centers through shared needs, common training materials, and unified goals. This collaborative network helped lay the groundwork for consistent service standards across the country.
Today, the Association continues to shape the future of suicide prevention by integrating scientific research, professional education, community resources, and national standards鈥攁dvancing the vision first established by Dr. Shneidman more than five decades ago.