[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 208 (Thursday, December 2, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE AWARENESS

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                          HON. J. FRENCH HILL

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 2, 2021

  Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring awareness to the 
current mental health crisis.
  My home state of Arkansas has one of the highest proportions of 
individuals with trauma and PTSD in the nation. The COVID crisis has 
increased the mental health needs of Arkansans and all Americans.
  Last year in Arkansas we tragically lost 583 of our neighbors, 
friends, and family members to suicide. Many personally know the pain 
of what it is like to lose a person to suicide.
  Suicide rates in Arkansas are above the American average. 
Simultaneously, Arkansas also has a higher rate of adults with mental 
health conditions, including anxiety and depression.
  There are more resources now than ever to provide support for anyone 
who needs it. I am proud to have supported funding for these resources 
earlier this Congress, including funding for the National Suicide 
Prevention Lifeline.
  Mental health can be a tough topic to speak about, but it shouldn't 
be.

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