Title: A resolution supporting the designation of September 17, 2021, 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.
Policy area: Health

Summary:
This resolution expresses support for the goals of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 364 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 364

    Supporting the designation of September 17, 2021, 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, 2021

   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, 2021, 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, prior to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous 
        health care workers suffered from work-related burnout and depression;
Whereas physicians work under intense pressure and are exposed to trauma on the 
        job;
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 physicians, nurses, and allied health providers serving on the 
        frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic are under a critically high degree 
        of stress and burnout;
Whereas shortages of personal protective equipment, difficult working 
        conditions, burdensome administrative tasks, long hours, grief over 
        losing patients, and watching the families of patients suffer added 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 Senate--
            (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.
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