Congressman Shri Thanedar Leads Bipartisan Resolution Designating September as National Suicide Prevention Month

Congressman Shri Thanedar Leads Bipartisan Resolution Designating September as National Suicide Prevention Month

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), along with Congressmen Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing September as "National Suicide Prevention Month" and September 10, 2026, as "World Suicide Prevention Day". This resolution will bring awareness to the mental health battles that many face silently every day and decrease the stigma behind seeking treatment for mental illness.

"In 1996, I lost my first wife to her battle with mental illness," said Congressman Shri Thanedar. The pain my young boys and I suffered was devastating and has stayed with me ever since. Her loss has inspired my work in Congress to ensure everyone has access to high-quality mental health care. By partnering in a bipartisan fashion with Representatives Bell and Lawler, we will bring awareness to this devastating issue and ensure that no more lives are lost to mental illness."

"Suicide is an epidemic plaguing our youth that demands urgent attention, because behind every statistic is a family forever changed by a loss words can't capture," said Congressman Bell. "In Missouri and across the nation, too many people are suffering in silence, believing they have nowhere to turn. National Suicide Prevention Month is about changing that. We must meet this crisis head-on by investing in mental health care, breaking down the stigma that keeps people from asking for help, and making clear that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health is health, and no one should have to face their darkest moments alone. If you're struggling, help is always within reach - call or text 988."

"Suicide is a devastating public health crisis, but it is not inevitable. We have a responsibility to ensure that people who are struggling know they are not alone and have access to the mental health care and support they need. During National Suicide Prevention Month and on World Suicide Prevention Day, we must recommit ourselves to breaking the stigma around mental health, expanding access to care, and doing everything we can to prevent the loss of another life," said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).

This resolution is supported by a broad range of mental health stakeholders, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, saying "Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with nearly 49,000 Americans dying by suicide in 2024 and an estimated 2.2 million suicide attempts," said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). "AFSP commends Representatives Thanedar, Bell, and Lawler for introducing this bipartisan resolution recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month and September 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day. By raising awareness about suicide and the critical need to expand access to quality mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services and care, we can help save lives and create a future where everyone has the support and resources they need to thrive."

Another supporter, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said the following about Thanedar's resolution: "Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and every effort to prevent suicide must begin with ensuring people have access to the mental health care and support they need," said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). "National Suicide Prevention Month and World Suicide Prevention Day are important opportunities to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action. NAMI thanks Rep. Thanedar for recognizing suicide prevention as a national priority."

Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.

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