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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | July 16, 2024 09:30 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jennifer O'Mara and Rep. Kerry A. Benninghoff |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Recognizing “National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month” and “World Suicide Prevention Day.” |
| Suicide is a serious, but preventable, public health problem. Whole communities across the globe and in America are impacted by the sometimes sudden and long-lasting effects of suicide. Each year, more than 700,000 people around the world die by suicide. After declining rates in 2019 and 2020, suicide is sadly on the rise again in the U.S. In 2022, suicide accounted for 49,449 deaths—about one death every 11 minutes—and maintains its position as the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. overall. For those aged 10-14, it is the second leading cause of death. Even more, approximately 12.3 million Americans have seriously contemplated suicide. Further complicating the issue is stigma, particularly regarding mental health and wellness, which means many individuals contemplating suicide are not seeking help and getting appropriate treatment. While the causes of suicide are complex, early detection and treatment are known to improve outcomes and quality of life. Strengthening access to suicide prevention care and support is an important step to lessening harms of suicide. Improving awareness to suicide’s causes and treatments and removing its stigma will help save lives. Please join us in promoting the health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities across Pennsylvania by recognizing September 2024 as “National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month” and September 10, 2024 as “World Suicide Prevention Day." |