Suicide Prevention Action Network USA

The Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA) was a 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 1996 by Gerald and Elsie Weyrauch, whose 34-year-old daughter, Terri, died by suicide. SPAN USA was "dedicated to preventing suicide through public education and awareness, community action and federal, state and local grassroots advocacy."

Suicide Prevention Action Network USA

Founded	August 19, 1996
Founder	Gerald and Elsie Weyrauch
Type	501(c)(3)
Focus	Advancing the public policy response to suicide in America
Location	Washington, DC
Origins	Founded following the death by suicide of the Weyrauch's 34-year-old daughter, Terri.
Method	Grassroots advocacy
Key people	Jerry Reed, Executive Director Brian Altman, Director of Public Policy & Program Development Jason Padgett, Field Development Coordinator

SPAN's theme was "Opening Minds. Changing Policy. Saving Lives."

SPAN USA was the nation's only suicide prevention organization dedicated to leveraging grassroots support among suicide survivors (those who have lost a loved one to suicide) and others to advance public policies that help prevent suicide. The organization was created to raise awareness, build political will, and call for action with regard to creating, advancing, implementing and evaluating a national strategy to address suicide in the United States. Since the organization was founded, grassroots volunteers and staff have worked in communities, state capitols and in Washington, DC, to advance its public policy response to the problem of suicide in America.

In 2009, SPAN merged with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to create a public policy program.