VERY EXCITING NEWS!
Congressmen John Katko and Don Beyer have written a Suicide Prevention Appropriations Letter Request to highlight the importance of creating and disseminating programs for family and friends of those who are at-risk. We are urging everyone reading this announcement to immediately circulate it to your Representatives’ offices to get more signers. Please contact organizations to get the word out on getting as many signers on board as possible. Families are an important link in suicide prevention.
(The deadline is Friday March 16th).
Support Federal Suicide Prevention Efforts
Deadline March 16th COB
Please join the House Suicide Prevention Task Force in sending a letter to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, requesting $2.5 million to reinstate dedicated funding at the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control for suicide prevention and report language supporting SAMHSA’s development of support resources to affected family and friends.
Suicide remains one of the top 10 leading causes of death for all age groups in the U.S. and the second-leading cause of death for teenagers, ages 15-19. Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. While its causes are complex and determined by multiple factors, the goal of suicide prevention is simple: Reduce factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience. Effective prevention strategies are needed to promote awareness of suicide and encourage a commitment to social change.
SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is the lead federal agency tasked with created and disseminating resources on suicide prevention. With the rate of suicide rising, family and friends of those who are at-risk are often in the best position to recognize the warning signs and help the individual get the treatment they need. Our requested report language will work to ensure that as our country works to decrease the rate of suicide, specialized training and resources are provided to the families and friends of at-risk individuals.
Our letter also requests at least $2.5 million to reinstate dedicated funding at the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control for suicide prevention. This will allow the CDC, the nation’s leading public health and prevention agency, the ability to implement and evaluate comprehensive suicide prevention programs.
We urge you to join us in sending the attached letter, supporting critical suicide prevention efforts. Please contact Jennifer Wood in Congressman Katko’s office at Jennifer.wood@mail.house.gov or Kate Schisler in Congressman Beyer’s office at Kate.Schisler@mail.house.gov with any questions.
Sincerely,
John Katko Member of Congress
Don Beyer Member of Congress