Supporting the designation of September 17, 2026, as “National Physician Suicide Awareness Day” to raise awareness of, and promote a national discussion about, physician suicide and to reduce the stigma of mental health conditions, and for other purposes.

Supporting the designation of September 17, 2026, as “National Physician Suicide Awareness Day” to raise awareness of, and promote a national discussion about, physician suicide and to reduce the stigma of mental health conditions, and for other purposes.

Whereas physicians work under intense pressure and are exposed to trauma on the job, which increases the risk of suicide;

Whereas as a result of these conditions, roughly 6 in 10 physicians experience increased feelings of anger, tearfulness, or anxiety

Whereas more than half (55 percent) of physicians have felt levels of debilitating stress;

Whereas 7 in 10 physicians report stigma surrounding mental health and seeking mental health care among physicians;

Whereas women physicians have a higher suicide risk in comparison to women in the general population;

Whereas difficult working conditions, burdensome administrative tasks, long hours, grief over losing patients, and watching the families of patients suffer add a layer of extreme stress for many front-line workers;

Whereas mental health and physical health are equally important components of overall health;

Whereas there are structural barriers in place that discourage self-care and mental health help-seeking behaviors among physicians; and

Whereas a day of public awareness and education campaigns to shine a light on the tragedy of physician suicide is held on September 17 each year: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) supports the goals of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day to bring national attention to the mental health crisis affecting physicians in the United States;

(2) supports the dedication of a day of reflection to honor the memory of physicians who have died by suicide;

(3) recognizes the need for greater research into understanding and addressing the issue of physician suicide, including the barriers to treatment, help-seeking behaviors to address burnout, and mental health care options to prevent physician suicide; and

(4) encourages the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe National Physician Suicide Awareness Day with appropriate awareness and educational activities.