SPAN was formed in 1996, coincidentally at the same time TeenScreen’s public survey projects started. In May 2009, SPAN merged with AFSP and serves as a “public policy and advocacy division” for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (ASFP).[1]
- Eli Lilly’s first quarter grant report for 2009 shows SPAN was gifted $25,000.[2]
- Lilly’s 2008 grant report shows grants totaling $80,000.[3]
- Lilly’s 2007 report shows $105,000.[4]
- The 2006 Spring issue of SPAN’s “Network News” announced the “Friend for Life” sponsors. Forest and the industry’s trade group, PhRMA donated over $15,000. Pfizer gave between $10,000 and $14,999, Solvay between $6,000 and $9,999, AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb donated between $2,000 and $5,999. Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly and Novartis each donated between $500 and $1,999.[5]
- In the Summer 2005 Network News list includes Pfizer (over $10,000), Bristol-Meyers, Janssen, and Novartis (over $1,000 each) and Forest Labs (over $500.)[6]
- Despite this nominally disclosed pharmaceutical funding, as of 2008 SPAN had provided $103.4 million in funding to 43 states, including 72 college and universities.[7]
- A September 9, 2006 press release ran the headline: “SPAN USA Kicks Off National Suicide Prevention Week With Memorial March for Suicide Prevention” Among the sponsors who offered “generous support” for this event were Eli Lilly and Forest Pharmaceuticals.[8]
- Three months later, SPAN advocated against the black box warnings on antidepressants, with a December 13, 2006 press release stating: “Leading Suicide Prevention Researcher Testifies against “Black Box” Notice for Antidepressants at FDA Hearing.”[9]
[1] http://www.spanusa.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=98B0C786-EFB1-9C18-7AB44DD6D12AC552.
[2] http://www.naturalnews.com/026789_suicide_suicide_prevention_Eli_Lilly.html.
[3] http://dissidentvoice.org/2009/04/just-say-no-to-the-mothers-act/.
[4] http://dissidentvoice.org/2009/04/just-say-no-to-the-mothers-act/.
[5] http://dissidentvoice.org/2009/04/just-say-no-to-the-mothers-act/.
[6] http://dissidentvoice.org/2009/04/just-say-no-to-the-mothers-act/.
[7] http://www.spanusa.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_ID=99C4116B-95CC-7565-3298E891C8484E8B.
[8] http://www.naturalnews.com/026789_suicide_suicide_prevention_Eli_Lilly.html.
[9] http://www.naturalnews.com/026789_suicide_suicide_prevention_Eli_Lilly.html.
SHARE YOUR STORY/COMMENT