Congressman Keith Self Leads Introduction of Resolution to Designate National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day

Congressman Keith Self, Congressman Donald Norcross, and Congresswoman Judy Chu led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in introducing a resolution designating September 22 of each year as National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day.

"September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and I believe it is important to bring additional awareness to the devastating fact that we are losing as many as 22 Veterans a day to suicide," said Congressman Keith Self. "It is our job as Americans to support our military members and Veterans. By designating September 22 as National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day, we recognize the struggles they face and bring attention to the importance of providing adequate mental health support and resources to military personnel and Veterans."

"Every day, too many servicemembers and veterans struggle in silence," said Congressman Donald Norcross. "Designating September 22 as National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day helps us take one step toward ending the stigma, raising awareness, and ensuring that no veteran feels alone. Supporting our servicemembers and veterans must extend beyond the battlefield."

"Far too many of our servicemembers and Veterans struggle with mental health and suicidal thoughts. As the only psychologist in Congress, I am proud to partner with Congressmembers Self and Norcross to highlight this community's needs and advocate for the mental health support that our troops deserve," said Congresswoman Judy Chu. "This issue is deeply personal for me as my nephew, U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Harry Lew, took his own life after he was the victim of a horrific hazing incident while serving our country in Afghanistan. I will continue to speak out against military hazing and stand up for our servicemembers and Veterans. With this bipartisan resolution, we have the chance to save lives and ensure that those who sacrifice for our nation receive the help and care they have earned."

Additional cosponsors of this resolution include Rep. Zachary Nunn, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Monica De La Cruz, Rep. Barry Moore, Rep. Byron Donalds, Rep. Patrick Ryan, Rep. Jay Obernolte, and Rep. Rudy Yakym.

Congressman Keith Self encourages Veterans and their families to contact his office at (202)-225-4201 to connect with federal resources for service men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. For anyone considering suicide or struggling with suicidal ideation, please dial 988 for immediate access to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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