A Moloka'i woman has received a national award from a suicide-prevention organization for her work on the issue.

Pua Kaninau of Kaunakakai on Friday received the Sandy Martin Grassroots Award for her contributions to suicide prevention from Suicide Prevention Action Network USA, an advocacy group working to advance public policies that prevent suicide.

The award was presented at SPAN USA's Suicide Prevention Legislative Institute, "Achieving Change Through Action," in Washington, D.C. The award is given each year to one or more "unsung heroes" working at the state or local level who exemplify sustained commitment to the mission of suicide prevention.

"Pua's involvement in SPAN USA and other organizations has advanced the suicide prevention movement," said Jerry Reed, SPAN USA's executive director. "She is an advocate for suicide prevention and is very deserving of this award."

Kaninau, whose son committed suicide, is the founder of the Hawai'i Suicide Prevention Education, Awareness and Research Foundation.