[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 13, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Molinaro) for 5 minutes.
Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as
National Suicide Prevention Month.
The mental health of our Nation and mental health crisis remains the
greatest public health crisis of our lifetime. In 2022 alone, we lost
50,000 Americans to death by suicide.
Among younger populations, that statistic is even more alarming.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to
14, and the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24.
No community, no family, no neighborhood is immune, and addressing
this crisis requires bold and persistent bipartisan efforts from
Congress, State, and local leaders.
We have made great strides in increasing access by rolling out the
988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and making other investments
in mental health programs. However, there is significantly more to be
done.
We have to continue to raise awareness, reduce the stigma, address
and ensure anyone who needs help is able to get the treatment and the
care they deserve, regardless of neighborhood, ZIP Code, or community.
Mr. Speaker, this is the public health crisis of our lifetime, and we
must rise to the challenge.
____________________