AJR 189

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION
No. 189
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
222nd LEGISLATURE
�
INTRODUCED JUNE 23, 2026
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman� VERLINA REYNOLDS-JACKSON
District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)
Assemblywoman� LINDA S. CARTER
District 22 (Somerset and Union)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman Donlon
SYNOPSIS
���� Designates calendar week that includes September 10th
of each year as �Suicide Prevention Week� in NJ.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
���� As introduced.
��
A Joint
Resolution designating the calendar week,
beginning on Sunday, which includes September 10th, of each year as �Suicide Prevention Week� in New
Jersey.
Whereas, Suicide is a public health issue that requires
vigilant attention and preventative action; and
Whereas, There were 48,183 deaths by suicide recorded in the
United States in 2021 and 688 of those deaths were in New Jersey; and
Whereas, Every death by suicide directly impacts numerous
family members, friends, loved ones, and by extension the entire community; and
Whereas, New Jersey is committed to raising awareness,
providing education and training on suicide prevention, and reducing stigma;
and
Whereas, New Jersey is also committed to 1) ensuring that
those in need have access to services by healthcare providers trained in best
practices to reduce suicide risk and 2) reducing the stigma associated with
using behavioral health treatment or losing a loved one to suicide; and
Whereas, New Jersey provides many suicide prevention
resources, including the New Jersey Suicide Hopeline, National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline, 2nd Floor Youth Helpline, Vet2Vet Helpline, and Cop2Cop
program; and
Whereas, No single suicide prevention effort will be
sufficient or appropriate for all populations or communities; and
Whereas,
It is altogether fitting and proper, and within the public interest, to
designate the calendar week, beginning on Sunday, which includes September 10th
of each year as �Suicide Prevention Week� in New Jersey to encourage the
citizens of this State to join together and take a stand to prevent suicide;
now, therefore,
���� Be It
Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of
the State of New Jersey:
���� 1.��� The calendar week,
beginning on Sunday, which includes September 10th of each year is designated
as �Suicide Prevention Week� in New Jersey to encourage the citizens of this
State to join together and take a stand to prevent suicide.
���� 2.��� The Governor is
respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the
calendar week, beginning on Sunday, including September 10th of each year as
�Suicide Prevention Week� in New Jersey and to call upon public officials and
the residents of New Jersey to observe the week with appropriate activities and
programs.
���� 3.��� This joint resolution
shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
���� This joint resolution
designates the calendar week, beginning on Sunday, which includes September
10th of each year as �Suicide Prevention Week.�
���� Suicide is a public health
issue that requires vigilant attention and preventative action.� With almost
49,000 lives lost to suicide in 2021, 688 of which were lost in New Jersey, it
is clear that suicide affects not only the victim�s family and friends, but
also entire communities.� While New Jersey has a number of suicide prevention
resources, it is important to remember that no single suicide prevention effort
will be sufficient or appropriate for all populations or communities.�
���� New Jersey is committed to
raising awareness, providing education and training, and reducing stigma
related to suicide.� By ensuring that those in need have access to services and
educating families to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health
issues and suicide, New Jersey can help individuals struggling with thoughts of
suicide and promote an environment of inclusivity and support throughout the
State.