Posted: | July 23, 2020 03:56 PM |
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From: | Representative Jennifer O'Mara and Rep. Kerry A. Benninghoff |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Recognizing National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and World Suicide Prevention Day |
Suicide is a serious, but preventable public health problem. Yet each year over 800,000 people globally and over 47,000 people in the United States will die as a result of suicide, and 20 times that number will attempt suicide. Whole communities across the globe and in America are impacted by its sometimes sudden and long-lasting effects. While its causes are complex, early detection and treatment are known to improve outcomes and quality of life. Strengthening access to suicide prevention care and supports is an important step to lessening harms of suicide. Further complicating the issue is stigma, particularly regarding mental health and wellness, which means many individuals contemplating suicide are not seeking help and getting appropriate treatment. Improving awareness to suicide’s causes and treatments, and removing its stigma, will help save lives. Please join us in promoting the health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities across Pennsylvania by recognizing September 2020 as "National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month" and September 10, 2020, as "World Suicide Prevention Day." |
Introduced as HR965