[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 142 (Thursday, September 12, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H5205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mr. BOST asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak during National 
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We must all do our part to ensure 
that those who are struggling with mental health and suicidal thoughts 
can receive the help they need.
  That includes those who have served our country heroically and live 
with the invisible wounds of their service.
  We are losing 17 veterans a day to suicide. One life lost is one too 
many.
  As chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and a veteran myself, 
I am committed to putting an end to this epidemic and reducing the 
number of veteran deaths by suicide.
  There should be no wrong door for mental health.
  There are many options available to veterans, both VA and community 
partnerships. It is about finding the right fit for each veteran.
  Suicide is preventable, so please reach out.
  To all my fellow veterans, if you need help or are in crisis, or 
family members, if you know that a veteran that you love is in crisis, 
please call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line for 
confidential help.
  Don't make a permanent decision for a temporary problem. You are not 
alone.

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