[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1519 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1519

    Supporting the designation of September 17, 2026, as ``National 
Physician Suicide Awareness Day'' to raise awareness of, and promote a 
 national discussion about, physician suicide and to reduce the stigma 
          of mental health conditions, and for other purposes.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 8, 2026

  Ms. Stevens (for herself, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Ms. Norton, Mrs. Watson 
 Coleman, and Ms. Barragan) submitted the following resolution; which 
          was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

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                               RESOLUTION


 
    Supporting the designation of September 17, 2026, as ``National 
Physician Suicide Awareness Day'' to raise awareness of, and promote a 
 national discussion about, physician suicide and to reduce the stigma 
          of mental health conditions, and for other purposes.

Whereas physicians work under intense pressure and are exposed to trauma on the 
        job, which increases the risk of suicide;
Whereas as a result of these conditions, roughly 6 in 10 physicians experience 
        increased feelings of anger, tearfulness, or anxiety
Whereas more than half (55 percent) of physicians have felt levels of 
        debilitating stress;
Whereas 7 in 10 physicians report stigma surrounding mental health and seeking 
        mental health care among physicians;
Whereas women physicians have a higher suicide risk in comparison to women in 
        the general population;
Whereas difficult working conditions, burdensome administrative tasks, long 
        hours, grief over losing patients, and watching the families of patients 
        suffer add a layer of extreme stress for many front-line workers;
Whereas mental health and physical health are equally important components of 
        overall health;
Whereas there are structural barriers in place that discourage self-care and 
        mental health help-seeking behaviors among physicians; and
Whereas a day of public awareness and education campaigns to shine a light on 
        the tragedy of physician suicide is held on September 17 each year: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals of National Physician Suicide 
        Awareness Day to bring national attention to the mental health 
        crisis affecting physicians in the United States;
            (2) supports the dedication of a day of reflection to honor 
        the memory of physicians who have died by suicide;
            (3) recognizes the need for greater research into 
        understanding and addressing the issue of physician suicide, 
        including the barriers to treatment, help-seeking behaviors to 
        address burnout, and mental health care options to prevent 
        physician suicide; and
            (4) encourages the President to issue a proclamation 
        calling on the people of the United States to observe National 
        Physician Suicide Awareness Day with appropriate awareness and 
        educational activities.
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