H.R.es551 - Expressing support for the designation of National Stop SuiSilence Day. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Res.551 expresses support for designating a "National Stop SuiSilence Day" on September 25th. The resolution highlights the severity of suicide as a national problem, citing statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging, discussing, and engaging in the topic of suicide to reduce stigma and prevent further deaths.
Expected Effects
If passed, this resolution would formally recognize "National Stop SuiSilence Day," potentially raising awareness and encouraging dialogue about suicide prevention. This could lead to increased resources and support for individuals at risk and those affected by suicide. However, the resolution itself does not allocate funding or mandate specific actions.
Potential Benefits 4/5
- Increased awareness of suicide prevention resources.
- Encouragement of open conversations about mental health.
- Potential reduction in stigma surrounding suicide.
- Support for individuals and communities affected by suicide.
- Focus on a critical public health issue.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution is largely symbolic and may not lead to concrete action.
- It does not allocate funding for suicide prevention programs.
- There is a risk that the day could become performative without meaningful engagement.
- The name "National Stop SuiSilence Day" may be awkward or off-putting to some.
- The resolution does not address the root causes of suicide, such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and social isolation.
Constitutional Alignment 4/5
The resolution aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it addresses a significant public health issue. While the Constitution does not explicitly mention mental health or suicide prevention, the government's role in promoting the general welfare can be interpreted to include such efforts. The resolution does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to citizens. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).