Larry Bucshon: “Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young Americans ages 10 to 24. To put that in perspective, for kids in…”

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young Americans ages 10 to 24. To put that in perspective, for kids in the fourth grade to young adults just starting their careers, suicide is the second leading cause of death. As a father of four all in this age group, I can't tell you how heartbreaking it is that kids across the country feel hopeless and feel that suicide is their only option. Tragically, we know that many of the individuals who experience suicidal thoughts suffer from some form of mental illness but have not received proper treatment. Here in the House, we passed landmark legislation to overhaul our Nation's mental health treatment system to make sure these individuals have access to the care they need, and we need to see it across the finish line. That is why I am here on the floor today to recognize National Suicide Prevention Month and, more importantly, to bring awareness to this tragic problem and recommit our efforts to help our fellow citizens struggling with mental illness. ____________________”