[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 136 (Friday, September 9, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H5251-H5252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK

  (Mr. DOLD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

[[Page H5252]]

  

  Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because this week is National 
Suicide Prevention Week.
  Studies have shown that roughly 90 percent of people who commit 
suicide struggled with mental illness. In July, with enormous 
bipartisan support, the House passed the Helping Families in Mental 
Health Crisis Act to tackle our Nation's mental health crisis. In 
recognition of this week, I believe the Senate should immediately take 
up this very important piece of legislation.
  Sadly, Mr. Speaker, veterans who have served our Nation are even more 
at risk. The disturbing reality is that far too many of our veterans 
who fought for our freedom are not truly free when they return home.
  We cannot be bystanders as our Nation's heroes struggle with mental 
illness and suicide. That is why we passed and signed into law the Clay 
Hunt SAV Act, which prioritizes mental health care for our veterans.
  But there is still so much work to be done to reach out to those who 
may need our help. Together, we can and must erase the stigma 
surrounding suicide and mental health.

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