Bill > HR313

This resolution recognizes the week of September 7 through 13, 2025, as "National Suicide Prevention Week" in Pennsylvania, while also addressing the serious issue of suicide in the state. The document highlights alarming statistics, noting that in 2023, over 49,000 Americans and 1,976 Pennsylvanians died by suicide, with Pennsylvania's suicide rate at 15.2 per 100,000 people and suicide being the eleventh leading cause of death in the state. The resolution emphasizes the importance of prevention, education, advocacy, and community support in addressing suicide stigma, and specifically focuses on the language used when discussing suicide. It discourages terms like "committed suicide" or "completed suicide" that imply criminality or previous attempts, and recommends using more sensitive phrases such as "died by suicide" or "suicide death." Additionally, the resolution encourages Pennsylvania residents to use language that does not perpetuate stigma when discussing suicide, recognizing the sensitive nature of this critical public health issue.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=313