A resolution recognizing suicide as a serious public health problem and expressing support for the designation of September as "National Suicide Prevention Month".
S. Res. 385 is a Senate resolution that recognizes suicide as a serious, preventable public health problem and expresses support for designating September as National Suicide Prevention Month. The resolution cites sobering statistics (overall suicide rates, veteran suicides, annual attempts, costs, and the role of stigma) to underscore the scope of the issue. It states that suicide prevention should be a national priority and acknowledges that no single program or cause fits all populations. It also calls for increasing access to high-quality mental health care, suicide prevention services, and treatment for substance-use disorders. As a resolution, it is a non-binding statement of the Senate’s views and intent, not a new law or funding program, but it signals support for ongoing and future policy actions. The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress (September 11, 2025) and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It notes sponsors in the text and frames the issue in broad terms intended to guide policy discussions and potential legislation or administrative actions in the future.
Key Points
- 1Recognizes suicide as a serious and preventable public health problem in the United States and in each state.
- 2Supports designating September as “National Suicide Prevention Month.”
- 3Declares suicide prevention a national priority and emphasizes that no single program or approach will fit all populations or communities.
- 4Acknowledges that there is no single cause of suicide and emphasizes the need for multiple strategies.
- 5Champions strategies to increase access to high-quality mental health and suicide prevention services, and to treatments for substance-use disorders.