Sponsored by:
Senator ANGELA V. MCKNIGHT
District 31 (Hudson)
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 44,965 deaths by suicide recorded in the United States in 2016 and 687 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 45,000 lives lost to suicide in 2016, 687 of which were lost in New Jersey, it is clear that suicide affects not only the victims 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.