2024 Senate Resolution 136

Whereas, There is no single cause or solution to suicide, but we know that access to support and treatment saves lives; and

Whereas, Mental health can be a common factor for those contemplating suicide, and other contributing factors play a large role; and

Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States as well as the second leading cause of death among individuals between 10 and 34 years of age; and

Whereas, In the United States, an individual dies by suicide every 11 minutes, resulting in nearly 48,000 deaths each year; and

Whereas, Over 12 million adults reported seriously considering suicide and 1.7 million people have attempted suicide; and

Whereas, The stigma associated with mental health conditions and suicidality hinders suicide prevention by discouraging at-risk individuals from seeking lifesaving help and can further traumatize survivors of suicide loss and individuals with lived experience of suicide; and

Whereas, Despite mental health playing a factor in suicide prevention, many Americans continue to struggle to find treatment as a result of expense or inaccessibility; and

Whereas, We recognize that suicide and suicide attempts affect the friends and loved ones of those around us; and

Whereas, Those experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental distress can call or text 988 to speak with someone free and confidentially; and

Whereas, We must continue to invest in mental health resources and address the stigma around the ideation of suicide to ensure that individuals have someone to speak to when they need it; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize September 2024 as Suicide Prevention Month.