Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Month. Depression and suicide ideation affect all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and thousands of Americans die each year. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. There are an estimated 1.7 million attempts each year. In 2017, suicide rates in Pennsylvania exceeded the national average. Mental health professionals, advocacy organizations, survivors, and allies take this month to combat the stigma of discussing mental health and connect those with suicidal thoughts to a network of professional resources. If you think a loved one is struggling with depression or ideation, just ask. People in need can often feel relieved when someone asks about their well-being in a caring way. Acknowledging and discussing their thoughts may be the first step in reducing risk. I encourage anyone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Madam Speaker, let's keep the conversation going year-round. We can all play an important role in prevention. ____________________”