[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9489 of September 9, 2016

World Suicide Prevention Day, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every year, too many people are taken from us by suicide. These
tragedies tear at families and communities, leaving behind heartbroken
loved ones who suffer immeasurably. World Suicide Prevention Day is a
time to join with neighbors across the globe to reaffirm our commitment
to preventing suicide. Here at home--thanks to dedicated crisis
counselors on hotlines and in schools; clinicians and other health
professionals in hospitals and mental health centers; faith leaders,
teachers, friends, and family members who never give up on trying to
make a meaningful difference--lives have been saved. Together, we can
get people critical help when they are in crisis and raise awareness of
the importance of preventing suicide in every community.
It is critical that we recognize the connections that mental health
conditions and substance use disorders have to suicide, as well as how
other external factors, including harassment, bullying, and
discrimination, can play a role. Suicide can touch any of us--regardless
of age, gender, or race--and leave a lasting mark on communities. We
must strive to build safe and supportive environments and eliminate the
stigma surrounding mental health issues that too often prevents people
from seeking the care they need.
No one should feel alone when facing these challenges--there is always
hope, and always a helping hand. My Administration has served as a
partner in this important effort through the National Action Alliance
for Suicide Prevention--a public-private partnership through which the
Federal Government has helped champion suicide prevention. All Americans
can make a difference in this effort. Reach out to a friend, let them
know you are there in moments of need, and encourage others to seek
assistance--because empowering others to find the strength to ask for
help and lifting up those who feel alone can save lives. The National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides immediate assistance for all
Americans at 1-800-273-TALK, and I encourage you to call if you or
someone you know is in need of help. Veterans, service members, and
their loved ones can also call this number to reach the Veterans Crisis
Line, and they can also send a text message to 838255.
The Affordable Care Act provides the largest expansion of mental health
coverage in a generation, and it has helped increase access to

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quality, affordable health insurance for all Americans. The Act
prohibits insurers from discriminating against people based on pre-
existing conditions like depression, expands mental health and substance
use disorder parity policies to more than 60 million Americans, and
requires that Health Insurance Marketplace plans cover mental health and
substance use disorder services. Additionally, my Administration
proposed a new $500 million investment to increase access to mental
health care. And because more than 20,000 Americans each year take their
own lives with a firearm, we must do all we can to ensure people who
need help get it and improve gun safety technology that can help prevent
suicides.
We also have to end the tragedy of suicide among our troops and our
veterans. These American heroes give of themselves for our country, and
they deserve the best from us in return--so long as any veteran is
suffering or feels like they have nowhere to turn, we have more work to
do. In 2014, I announced 19 Executive actions to improve mental health
care for our veterans, members of our Armed Forces, and their loved
ones. And last year, to build on these efforts, I signed the Clay Hunt
Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act to improve how we serve
veterans with post-traumatic stress and other illnesses. By increasing
peer support and outreach to service members transitioning to civilian
life, this Act makes it easier for veterans to find the care they need
when they need it.
The theme of this year's World Suicide Prevention Day is ``Connect.
Communicate. Care.'' These words provide a roadmap to reaching our
universal goal of suicide prevention--encouraging all people to reach
out to those who are suffering in silence, express when they are in need
of help, and lift up those around them. On this day, we are reminded
that help is available and that a brighter future lies ahead. Let us
honor the souls we have lost too soon and vow to do everything in our
power to prevent suicide.
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, 2016, 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 sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA