Political Quotes

“Mr. President, as we all know too well, rates of suicide have risen to epidemic levels in the United States, with suicide now the 10th leading cause of death in the country. On average, there are 135 suicides every day, roughly one every 11 minutes. These are staggering statistics behind which there are tragic stories of loss. That is why I am introducing the Suicide Prevention Act with my colleague Senator Moran. Our bipartisan bill would provide new resources to help turn the tide on this disturbing trend. It would authorize new funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, to partner with State and local health departments to improve surveillance of suicide attempts and other incidences of self-harm. Data collection efforts regarding suicide often occur years after the fact, which limits the ability of State and local health departments, as well as community organizations, to recognize trends early and intervene. CDC has already begun some of this work, but the Suicide Prevention Act would expand these efforts and enhance data collection so we can respond to new trends quickly and save lives. We know that emergency healthcare providers are often at the frontlines of responding to suicide attempts. Approximately 37 percent of individuals without a previous history of mental health or substance abuse who die by suicide make an emergency department visit within the year before their death.…”