The international association for suicide prevention: The first 50 years

Background: The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) was established in Vienna in 1960 and celebrated its 50th year in 2010. Aim: To review its 50 years of progress. Method: An historical and current review of activity. Results: The IASP has members in over 50 countries and is today the key nongovernment organization in official relations with the World Health Organization in addressing the topic of suicide. It has increased communication and collaboration in suicide prevention worldwide and promoted the development of collaborative suicide prevention efforts, research, and program evaluation. Limitation: It is acknowledged that this is not an exhaustive review, and that other good work has probably been undertaken, but not referred to. Conclusion: The IASP has not only brought global attention to the unacceptable loss of approximately 1 million people worldwide who die each year by suicide, but it has been instrumental in establishing suicide prevention research and program evaluation in an increasing number of countries.