In a world plagued by the devastating impact of suicide, we come together on World Suicide Prevention Day to remember those we have lost, comfort those who grieve, and support the tireless efforts of professionals striving to eradicate this public health crisis.
- The Harsh Reality:
- In the past year alone, close to 50,000 Americans succumbed to suicide, with over 10 million seriously contemplating it.
- Shockingly, suicide ranked as the second leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 10 to 14 and 25 to 34.
- Veterans faced a suicide rate that was 50 percent higher compared to other demographics, shedding light on the urgent need for targeted support.
- It’s sobering to note that suicide is a significant contributor to maternal mortality rates.
Despite the complex nature of suicide origins and its multifaceted solution, one undoubtable factor remains – access to mental health care is a life-saving resource. Regrettably, obtaining immediate care during a crisis remains an arduous and costly endeavor. In 2021, less than half of adults with mental illness received the treatment they needed. Shockingly, almost 70 percent of children seeking mental health support were unable to access it.
- The Unity Agenda:
- A cornerstone of the Unity Agenda is to link Americans with affordable, quality mental healthcare and fortify the mental healthcare system to tackle suicide risk factors proactively.
- To this end, a ruling was issued mandating insurers to cover mental health care on par with physical healthcare.
- The necessary changes would be implemented should analyses reveal insufficient access to mental health care by health insurers.
- The American Rescue Plan injects over $12 billion to expand mental health and substance use services in communities, states, and schools.
- Recent legislation has triggered an increase in Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics funded through Medicaid, delivering vital mental health support, including crisis intervention services, day and night in communities nationwide.
Fulfilling a fundamental vow, efforts have been intensified to extend mental health and suicide prevention services to service members and veterans. Enhanced access to confidential treatment, recruitment of additional mental health specialists, and elimination of cost-sharing for the initial three mental health consultations are among the key strategies. Moreover, facilitating access to permanent supportive housing for veterans and their families underscores the commitment to their welfare.
As World Suicide Prevention Day approaches, the focus sharpens on bolstering suicide prevention programs and extending affordable, accessible mental health care to every corner of the country to honor those we’ve lost and safeguard those we can still save.
If you or someone you know is grappling with mental health challenges, know that help is within reach. Dial or text 988 to connect with trained crisis counselors for free, confidential assistance. For moms navigating the complexities of mental health during pregnancy or postpartum, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is just a call away at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). For non-crisis support or assistance with mental health and substance use, visit FindSupport.gov or ring 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357).
Thus, let us unite on World Suicide Prevention Day, a symbol of hope through action, and pledge to fortify the fight against suicide throughout the nation.
By virtue of my authority as President of the United States, I hereby proclaim September 10, 2024, as World Suicide Prevention Day. I call on individuals, communities, organizations, and all levels of government to stand with me in preventing suicide and spreading hope across America.
Signed,
Joseph R. Biden Jr.,
President of the United States of America
Leave feedback about this