[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H5102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY AND FIREARM SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Massachusetts (Mr. Moulton) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, today is World Suicide Prevention Day and 
Firearm Suicide Prevention Day.
  In 2022, almost 50,000 Americans died by suicide. 1.6 million 
Americans attempted suicide.
  More than half of all gun deaths in the United States are by suicide. 
On average, we lose 74 people to a firearm suicide every single day. 
The firearms suicide rate among children in the U.S. is growing.
  More younger Americans are struggling with their mental health than 
ever before, and we know that when there is a gun in the home, the risk 
of suicide death jumps by 300 percent. The result is tragedy.
  Each of us here in this Chamber has an enormous responsibility to 
serve here in Washington and to help Americans, yet Americans are 
dying, and we are doing little to stop it. Something is seriously 
broken.
  Gun deaths are not just a fact of life we should accept. Every gun 
death is preventable, including self-inflicted ones. Mr. Speaker, 70 
percent of those who survive a suicide attempt never attempt it again. 
That is a remarkable statistic. Mr. Speaker, 70 percent of those who 
survive a suicide attempt won't try it again.
  Reducing gun deaths in our country isn't a zero-sum proposition. We 
have to address gun safety and the mental health crisis. It is not 
getting too political or a copout to talk about both.
  First and foremost, reducing firearm-related suicides can be as 
simple as storing firearms safely and securely, which means locked, 
unloaded, and separated from ammunition. Simple, practical steps can 
reduce impulsive decisions and save lives.
  The 988 mental health lifeline is already making a huge difference. 
Not only are millions of Americans calling and texting to get help in a 
moment of crisis, but even more simply know where to get help if they 
need it.
  We also have to get back to watching out for one another, to building 
strong, resilient communities where people aren't lonely and isolated 
behind their screens, and where friends and neighbors recognize the 
signs when someone is struggling and find the courage to speak out.
  We can stand together to create a future where no one feels like they 
have no other choice. Together we can offer hope, and together, we can 
save lives.

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