A 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.

Bill: 118-sres-343
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Stabenow, Debbie [D-MI]
Introduced: 2023-09-14
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: 2023-09-14
text: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S4530)

Summaries:
action_date: 2023-09-14
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p>This resolution expresses support for the goals of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. </p>

tv_txt: III 118th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 343 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

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.