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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 343 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 343

    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 SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 14, 2023

   Ms. Stabenow (for herself, Mr. Kaine, and Mr. Reed) submitted the 
 following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, 
                     Education, Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                               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 the 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--

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

    (2) among 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 add 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 is held on September 
        17 each year to shine a light on the tragedy of physician suicide: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the goal 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 issues surrounding 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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