Video: Ricketts Addresses Suicide Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week during his weekly press call with Nebraska media, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed efforts to combat suicide and mental health issues. Ricketts also highlighted Nebraska's success in lowering suicide rates, and the ways that he is bringing those solutions to the nation.

Ricketts has long been an advocate for mental health.

• As Governor, he helped launch the "Nebraska Needs You" suicide prevention campaign: a statewide Public Service Announcement that educated Nebraskans about suicide warning signs and encouraged those in crisis to seek help.

• His administration created a behavioral health System of Care designed specifically to help Nebraska's youth.

• It also launched the Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families in Nebraska.

• In August, Ricketts co-sponsored the Campus Lifeline Act. This bipartisan bill would increase awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and expand resources to students nationwide. It would also increase access to student-led outreach on college campuses.

"Our goal is zero deaths from suicide. And until that goal is reached, I will continue to fight to improve mental health and expand resources that help prevent suicide.

This month and every month, check on your family, your friends, and your neighbors. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone. Our loved ones should never have to face them alone."

Watch the video here.

TRANSCRIPT: "Over the past month, I had the opportunity to travel the state and talk with many Nebraskans about the issues that matter most to them.

"I spent time with families, farmers, ranchers, small business owners, healthcare professionals, first responders, teachers, and students.

"A few weeks ago, I hosted my third annual Federal Issues Forum at the Nebraska State Fair.

"This year I was joined by special guests USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Senator Fischer.

"We talked about ways we are working together to support our farmers and ranchers-who feed and fuel our nation.

"Earlier this week, I hosted Secretary Markwayne Mullin, a good friend of mine.

"I thanked him for FEMA's support over the past year.

"From historic wildfires, severe storms, and tornadoes- FEMA's response has helped us rebuild in the wake of these disasters.

"I also joined Secretary Hegseth at Offutt Airforce Base in August.

"We met with our servicemen and women, thanked them for their service, and discussed military readiness opportunities.

"One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to travel to communities across the state to spend time with the Nebraskans.

"The August State Work Period was a great opportunity to do so.

"Now I'm back in Washington, D.C., where I will continue supporting federal policies that protect the Good Life.

"September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

"This month is an opportunity to recommit to raising awareness, supporting people in crisis, and working together to prevent suicide.

"Suicide remains a leading cause of death in the United States.

"In 2024, more than 48,000 Americans died by suicide.

"And more than 14 million adults had serious thoughts about committing suicide.

"We can and must do more to prevent suicide by supporting those struggling with their mental health.

"Protecting mental health has always been a major priority of mine.

"As Governor, I promoted well-being and access to support across Nebraska.

"I ensured every Nebraskan had access to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

"This lifeline is a simpler way for Nebraskans experiencing mental health issues to seek immediate help.

"We launched the "Nebraska Needs You" suicide prevention campaign: a statewide Public Service Announcement that educated Nebraskans about suicide warning signs and encouraged those in crisis to seek help.

"My administration created a behavioral health System of Care designed specifically to help Nebraska's youth.

"We also put suicide prevention tools directly in our schools.

"This included training for more than 67,000 educators and school personnel to help students that are struggling.

"And we launched the Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families in Nebraska.

"The call to defend our country comes with a cost.

"Many of our veterans bear the physical or psychological scars of service.

"Working with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, we encouraged those in need of care to receive help.

"Thanks to our work to improve access to and raise awareness of mental health resources, Nebraska ranked fourth in the nation for mental health.

"My efforts to prevent suicide and combat our nation's mental health issues remain a top priority as a United States Senator.

"In August, I co-sponsored the Campus Lifeline Act.

"This bipartisan bill would increase awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and expand resources to students nationwide.

"It would also increase access to student-led outreach on college campuses.

"Peer-to-Peer engagement plays an important role in the ability to identify students in crisis and connect them with the support they need.

"This is important because our nation is experiencing an epidemic of loneliness.

"Research has linked loneliness to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

"I introduced the bipartisan Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act to help combat this epidemic.

"Representative Mike Flood introduced the companion bill in the House.

"This bill would establish a working group that would help experts target the root causes of loneliness.

"Loneliness and isolation are also serious challenges for many of our nation's veterans.

"Veterans experience a significantly higher suicide rate than non-veteran adults.

"We must continue to provide them with the help that they need.

"To build on my work as Governor, I introduced the MIND Our Veterans Act.

"This bill would ensure that servicemembers receive effective, evidence-based mental health screenings prior to separation from active duty.

"Encouragingly, the United States has seen a decrease in suicide deaths.

"But that is not enough.

"Our goal is zero deaths from suicide.

"And until that goal is reached, I will continue to fight to improve mental health and expand resources that help prevent suicide.

"This month and every month, check on your family, your friends, and your neighbors.

"Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone.

"Our loved ones should never have to face them alone."