SR 358

                                                 PRINTER'S NO.   1911
             THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
     SENATE RESOLUTION
        No. 358
                                         Session of
                                           2026
INTRODUCED BY MALONE, TARTAGLIONE, STREET, PENNYCUICK, KIM,
   COMITTA, KEARNEY, FONTANA, HUGHES, HAYWOOD, COLLETT AND KANE,
   AUGUST 24, 2026
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, AUGUST 24, 2026
                          A RESOLUTION
1 Recognizing the month of September 2026 as "Suicide Prevention
2    Month" in Pennsylvania.
3    WHEREAS, September is recognized nationwide as "Suicide
4 Prevention Month"; and
5    WHEREAS, Suicide is a significant public health concern at
6 the global, national and state levels; and
7    WHEREAS, In the United States, in 2023, approximately 49,000
8 people died by suicide, which is 1 death every 11 minutes; and
9    WHEREAS, Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the
10 United States; and
11    WHEREAS, Suicide is the second leading cause of death for
12 individuals who are 10 to 14 years of age and 25 to 34 years of
13 age; and
14    WHEREAS, Suicide is the third leading cause of death for
15 individuals who are 15 to 24 years of age; and
16    WHEREAS, In 2023, nearly 2,000 individuals died by suicide in
17 this Commonwealth; and
1    WHEREAS, More than 20% of Pennsylvanians experience mental
2 health struggles every year; and
3    WHEREAS, More than 7% of Pennsylvanians experience serious
4 mental health struggles every year; and
5    WHEREAS, In 2023, the nationwide suicide rate among males was
6 almost four times higher than that among females, yet males
7 report mental health struggles at lower rates than females; and
8    WHEREAS, Individuals who are 85 years of age and older have
9 the highest rates of suicide, yet they report mental health
10 struggles at lower rates than other age cohorts; and
11    WHEREAS, More than 4% of the adult population in the United
12 States has experienced suicidal ideation, and, for children
13 under 18 years of age in the United States, this number
14 increases dramatically to 18%; and
15    WHEREAS, The stigma surrounding suicide and mental health
16 prevents individuals, communities, organizations and governments
17 from engaging in open discussions about these issues; and
18    WHEREAS, Every September, organizations nationwide and across
19 this Commonwealth, including groups like Mental Health America
20 of Lancaster-Lebanon Counties, recognize "Suicide Prevention
21 Month" to raise awareness and encourage meaningful dialogue
22 about this urgent public health issue affecting all of our
23 communities; and
24    WHEREAS, The theme for this year's "Suicide Prevention Month"
25 is "#BeThere," which encourages individuals to stay engaged,
26 offer support and take initiative; and
27    WHEREAS, The theme acknowledges the importance of being
28 present and truly listening to those around us as a way to help
29 save lives; therefore be it
30    RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of September
20260SR0358PN1911  - 2 -
1 2026 as "Suicide Prevention Month" in Pennsylvania.
20260SR0358PN1911  - 3 -