Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 2, 2021 01:04 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jennifer O'Mara and Rep. Kerry A. Benninghoff |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Recognizing September 2021 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month |
| Suicide is a serious, but preventable public health problem. Whole communities across the globe and in America are impacted by the sometimes sudden and long-lasting effects of suicide. Yet each year, over 800,000 people globally die by suicide. In the U.S., nearly 45,000 individuals died by suicided in 2020, making it the 11th leading cause of death. The COVID-19 pandemic directly impacted many Americans’ mental health and vulnerability to suicide. In fact, in March 2020, calls to the national mental health crisis center increased by 891% when compared to the previous year. While the causes of suicide 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 2021 as “National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month” and September 10, 2021, as “World Suicide Prevention Day.” |