Recognizing suicide as a serious public health problem and expressing support for the designation of September as National Suicide Prevention Month as well as September 10, 2025, as World Suicide Prevention Day.
Summary
This House Resolution recognizes suicide as a serious public health problem and supports the designation of September as National Suicide Prevention Month and September 10, 2025, as World Suicide Prevention Day. It acknowledges the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts among adults, adolescents, and veterans, citing data from the CDC, SAMHSA, and the VA. The resolution emphasizes the need for increased access to mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention services.
Expected Effects
The resolution aims to raise awareness and prioritize suicide prevention efforts at the national level. It encourages the development and implementation of strategies to improve access to mental health and substance abuse services. This may lead to increased funding and resources for suicide prevention programs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased awareness of suicide as a public health issue.
- Potential for greater resource allocation towards mental health and suicide prevention.
- Support for community-based prevention programs tailored to specific populations.
- Reduced stigma associated with mental health conditions and suicidal ideation.
- Improved access to quality mental health and substance abuse services.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution itself does not allocate funding or mandate specific actions, so its impact depends on subsequent legislation and implementation.
- Lack of specific details on the strategies to be developed and implemented.
- Potential for the resolution to be perceived as merely symbolic without concrete action.
- The resolution does not address potential unintended consequences of increased screening or intervention.
- Limited focus on the social and economic factors that contribute to suicide.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to address a significant public health issue. While the Constitution does not explicitly mention mental health, promoting the well-being of citizens falls within the scope of governmental responsibility. The resolution does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).