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.

Bill: 117-hres-656
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Introduced: 2021-09-17
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Commemorative events and holidays

Health care coverage and access

Health personnel

Health promotion and preventive care

Medical research

Mental health

Worker safety and health
Latest action: action_date: 2021-09-20
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-09-17
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>This resolution expresses support for the goals of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. </p>

tv_txt: IV 117th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 656 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 17, 2021 Ms. Stevens (for herself, Ms. Wild , Mr. Fitzpatrick , Mr. Krishnamoorthi , Mr. McKinley , Mrs. Axne , Ms. Chu , and Mr. Pappas ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce 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

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.