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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 690 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 690

    Supporting the designation of September 17, 2023, as ``National 
Physician Suicide Awareness Day'' to raise awareness of, and promote a 
 national discussion about, physician suicide and to reduce the stigma 
                        of mental health issues.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 14, 2023

Ms. Stevens (for herself, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and Ms. Wild) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and 
                                Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
    Supporting the designation of September 17, 2023, as ``National 
Physician Suicide Awareness Day'' to raise awareness of, and promote a 
 national discussion about, physician suicide and to reduce the stigma 
                        of mental health issues.

Whereas physicians work under intense pressure and are exposed to trauma on the 
        job;
Whereas risk of suicide within the medical profession is among the highest rates 
        of any occupation;
Whereas each year in the United States roughly 300 to 400 physicians die by 
        suicide;
Whereas the suicide rate among--

    (1) male physicians is 1.41 times higher than the general male 
population; and

    (2) female physicians is even more pronounced, being 2.27 times higher 
than the general female population;

Whereas difficult working conditions, burdensome administrative tasks, long 
        hours, grief over losing patients, and watching the families of patients 
        suffer adds a layer of extreme stress for many frontline workers;
Whereas mental health and physical health are equally important components of 
        overall health;
Whereas there are structural barriers in place that discourage self-care and 
        mental health help-seeking behaviors among physicians; and
Whereas a day of public awareness and education campaigns to shine a light on 
        the tragedy of physician suicide is held on September 17 each year: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals of National Physician Suicide 
        Awareness Day to bring national attention to the mental health 
        crisis affecting physicians in the United States;
            (2) dedicates a day of reflection to honor the memory of 
        physicians who have died by suicide;
            (3) recognizes the need for greater research into 
        understanding and addressing the issue of physician suicide, 
        including the barriers to treatment, help-seeking behaviors to 
        address burnout, and mental care options to prevent physician 
        suicide; and
            (4) encourages the President to issue a proclamation 
        calling on the people of the United States to observe National 
        Physician Suicide Awareness Day with appropriate awareness and 
        educational activities.
                                 <all>
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