H.Res. 725 — Introduced in House

IV 113th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 725 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 15, 2014 Ms. Esty submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned RESOLUTION Commending the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs for their joint campaign to raise awareness during September, Suicide Prevention Month, to reduce suicide among members of the United States Armed Forces and veterans. Whereas suicide is a leading noncombat cause of death among members of the United States Armed Forces; Whereas on average, 22 veterans are lost to suicide in the United States each day; Whereas more than 38,000 people in the United States take their lives each year, 20 percent of whom are veterans; Whereas the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act (Public Law 110–110; 121 Stat. 1031) was enacted in 2007 to establish a comprehensive program for suicide prevention among veterans; Whereas the Veterans Crisis Line, which was established under the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act, has received more than 890,000 telephone calls and facilitated more than 30,000 life-saving rescues; Whereas many suicides are preventable, and 90 percent of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of death; Whereas September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; and Whereas in September 2014, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs launched the joint public awareness campaign The Power of 1 to draw attention to the mental health services and suicide prevention programs available to members of the United States Armed Forces and veterans, focusing on everyday actions that can save lives: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) commends the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs for raising awareness during Suicide Prevention Month of the life-saving resources available to those who have served, or are currently serving, in uniform; and (2) supports the goals and ideals of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, The Power of 1 campaign, and efforts to improve outreach to individuals at risk for suicide, especially those addressed to veterans and members of the United States Armed Forces.