Lawler, Thanedar Introduce Bicameral Resolution to Support September as National Suicide Prevention Month

Washington, D.C. - 9/12/25… This week, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Shri Thanedar (MI-13) introduced H.Res. 697, "Supporting September as 'National Suicide Prevention Month.'" The resolution supports the designation of September as "National Suicide Prevention Month" and September 10, 2025, as "World Suicide Prevention Day."

This resolution will highlight the silent mental health battle that so many face in their day-to-day lives and help prevent further tragic loss of life at the hands of such afflictions. This is a bipartisan, bicameral effort, with 46 representatives electing to be original co-sponsors.

"In the Hudson Valley, like so many communities across the country, families have been devastated by suicide, from young people in our schools to veterans who served our nation. This resolution isn't just symbolic; it's about acknowledging the pain too many families have endured, raising awareness, and strengthening access to mental health support so no one feels they have to suffer in silence. Our neighbors deserve to know they are not alone, and that help is always within reach," said Congressman Lawler.

"I lost my first wife to her battle with depression," said Congressman Thanedar. "The pain was unimaginable and has stayed with me ever since. No one should have to experience something like that. Her passing was a turning point in my life. It taught me the importance of compassion and the need for accessible mental health services for all, and it inspired work like this in Congress."

This bipartisan effort also has robust support among mental health advocates in the Senate on both sides of the aisle.

"Over the last decade, the crisis of rising suicide rates has only gotten worse, especially among young people and men," said Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). "By raising awareness and making more resources available, we can reverse that terrible trend and save lives."

"Suicide has a devastating impact on families and communities across North Carolina and the country," said Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC). "As co-chair of the Senate Mental Health Caucus, I am proud to support the designation of September as National Suicide Prevention Month and to shine a light on this crisis while reaffirming our commitment to saving lives and supporting those who are struggling."

Additionally, the resolution is supported by:

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
• Policy Center for Maternal Health
• National Association of Social Workers
• American Psychological Association Services
• The Jed Foundation (JED)
• Children's Hospital Association (CHA)

"Suicide remains a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of nearly 50,000 people in 2023 and impacting millions more who experience suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide," said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. "But we know suicide can be prevented. AFSP commends Rep. Thanedar, Rep. Lawler, and Rep. Bell for introducing this resolution recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month and designating September 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day. By raising awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring that people have access to the care and support they need, we can help save lives and bring hope to individuals, families, and communities across the country."

"Each September, NAMI recognizes Suicide Prevention Month as a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and take meaningful action on one of the most urgent mental health challenges of our time," said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). "The Suicide Prevention Month Resolution reinforces the importance of equipping individuals, families, and communities with the tools to talk openly about suicide, recognize warning signs, and connect people to help. NAMI is proud to support this resolution."

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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Full text of the bill can be found HERE.