Salinas on National Suicide Prevention Month

Today, U.S. House Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06) issued the following statement on the first day of National Suicide Prevention Month:

“September is National Suicide Prevention Month – a time to spread awareness about the resources and treatment options available to those struggling with their mental health. Oregon has the 17th highest rate of suicide in the nation, despite being the 27th most populous state in America. This disparity paints a grim picture of the prevalence of suicide in our communities and underscores the pressing need to take further action.

“For the last several months, I’ve championed my HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act, bold legislation that would make mental health care more accessible to some of the most at-risk individuals in our communities. I’ve also dedicated myself to raising awareness and shattering stigma by speaking openly about the many mental health challenges that Oregonians face. Today, I commit to continuing to seek solutions to the mental health crisis in our state, including the devastating and disproportionately high number of suicides we suffer each year. I will work with federal, state, and local partners, as well as stakeholders, health care providers, and those directly impacted by this epidemic to ensure that suicide prevention and other important mental health issues don’t fade into the background of our political dialogue. This month and every month, we must speak out and step up – it’s the only way we’re going to save lives.”

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