[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 21, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H8021]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mr. KATKO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Suicide Awareness 
Month.
  For families deeply affected by suicide like my own--this issue is 
very personal.
  When I came to Congress, I decided to turn grief into a purpose by 
co-chairing the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus.
  I have worked with my colleagues to author and pass legislation to 
expand pediatric mental health care, effectively implement the new 988 
suicide lifeline, and reduce the shortage of mental health 
professionals, but there is still much more to be done.
  Stigma surrounding mental illness still persists in the country big 
time. We are just beginning to understand the pandemic's true impact on 
behavioral health. If we are to make meaningful progress to reduce 
suicide, we need to focus on areas that produce the most in the least 
amount of time.
  The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, along with a growing 
segment of the medical community, has recognized the need to expand 
suicide risk screenings within our healthcare community systems. By 
having more patients receive these screenings, healthcare professionals 
can better identify and treat at-risk individuals.
  Madam Speaker, suicide prevention is an issue near and dear to my 
heart, and I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in this 
important, lifesaving work.

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