[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 177 (Monday, September 14, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 55215-55216]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-23222]



[[Page 55213]]

Vol. 80

Monday,

No. 177

September 14, 2015

Part III





The President





-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Proclamation 9317--World Suicide Prevention Day, 2015
 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 177 / Monday, September 14, 2015 / 
Presidential Documents  

 ___________________________________________________________________

 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 55215]]

                Proclamation 9317 of September 9, 2015

                
World Suicide Prevention Day, 2015

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                All people deserve the opportunity to live healthy, 
                rewarding lives. No American should have their 
                potential limited, have their life cut short, or be 
                deprived of their fullest measure of happiness because 
                they do not have the mental health support they need. 
                On World Suicide Prevention Day, we reaffirm our belief 
                that mental health is an essential part of overall 
                health, and together, we renew our commitment to 
                supporting and empowering all Americans to seek the 
                care they need.

                Suicide is often related to serious depression, 
                substance use disorders, and other mental health 
                conditions. That is why recognizing severe 
                psychological distress and ensuring access to the care 
                and services needed to diagnose and treat mental 
                illness are crucial to our efforts to prevent suicide. 
                Individuals can also experience emotional and mental 
                health crises in response to a wide range of 
                situations--from difficulties in personal relationships 
                to the loss of a job to bullying at school. And for 
                some of our Nation's veterans and military service 
                members, these challenges are compounded by the 
                invisible wounds of war. Tragically, these crises can 
                sometimes involve thoughts of suicide--and we must do 
                more to support those suffering.

                All Americans can take part in promoting mental well-
                being and preventing suicide. Everyone can contribute 
                to a culture where individuals are supported and 
                accepted for who they are--no matter what they look 
                like, who they love, or what challenges they face--and 
                where it is okay to ask for help.

                We can do more to recognize the signs of mental health 
                issues early and encourage those in need to reach out 
                for support. And we must remind our loved ones that 
                seeking treatment is not a sign of weakness; it is a 
                sign of strength. If you or someone you know is in need 
                of help, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 
                offers immediate assistance for all Americans at 1-800-
                273-TALK. Veterans, service members, and their loved 
                ones can call this number to reach the Veterans Crisis 
                Line, and they can also send a text message to 838255.

                The Affordable Care Act extends mental health and 
                substance use disorder benefits and parity protections 
                to over 60 million Americans, helping men and women 
                across our country access critical care. Protections 
                under the health care law prohibit insurers from 
                denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions, 
                like a diagnosis of mental illness, and require most 
                insurance plans to cover recommended preventive 
                services without copays, including behavioral 
                assessments for children and depression screenings.

                In February, I was proud to sign the Clay Hunt Suicide 
                Prevention for American Veterans Act to help fill 
                serious gaps in serving veterans with post-traumatic 
                stress and other illnesses. This law builds upon our 
                ongoing efforts to end the tragedy of suicide among our 
                troops and veterans. Last year, I announced 19 
                Executive actions to make it easier for service members 
                and veterans to access the care they need when they 
                need it, and our Government has focused additional 
                resources on mental health services, including 
                increasing the number of mental health providers at the 
                Department of Veterans Affairs.

[[Page 55216]]

                My Administration is also committed to doing all we can 
                to empower those facing challenges and hardship. We are 
                dedicated to combating bullying, harassment, and 
                discrimination in our schools and communities. We are 
                doing more to guarantee all veterans and members of our 
                Armed Forces--as well as their families--get the help 
                they deserve while they are serving our Nation, as they 
                transition to civilian life, and long after they have 
                returned home. And across the Federal Government, we 
                are working to ensure all Americans are supported in 
                times of crisis.

                Suicide prevention is the responsibility of all people. 
                One small act--the decision to reach out to your 
                neighbor, offer support to a friend, or encourage a 
                veteran in need to seek help--can make a difference. It 
                can help energize a national conversation and a 
                changing attitude across America. If you are hurting, 
                know this: You are not forgotten. You are never alone. 
                Your country is here for you, and help is available. As 
                we pause to raise awareness of the importance of 
                suicide prevention, let us remember all those we have 
                lost and the loved ones they left behind. As one 
                people, we stand with all who struggle with mental 
                illness, and we continue our work to prevent this 
                heartbreak in our communities.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim September 10, 2015, 
                as World Suicide Prevention Day. I call upon citizens, 
                government agencies, organizations, health care 
                providers, and research institutions to raise awareness 
                of the mental health resources and support services 
                available in their communities and encourage all those 
                in need to seek the care and treatment necessary for a 
                long and healthy life.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and fortieth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2015-23222
Filed 9-11-15; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F5