Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 177 (September 14, 2015)
Page Range
55215-55216
FR Document
2015-23222
Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 177 (Monday, September 14, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 177 (Monday, September 14, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 55215-55216]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-23222]
[[Page 55213]]
Vol. 80
Monday,
No. 177
September 14, 2015
Part III
The President
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Proclamation 9317--World Suicide Prevention Day, 2015
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 177 / Monday, September 14, 2015 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
[[Page 55215]]
Proclamation 9317 of September 9, 2015
World Suicide Prevention Day, 2015
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
All people deserve the opportunity to live healthy,
rewarding lives. No American should have their
potential limited, have their life cut short, or be
deprived of their fullest measure of happiness because
they do not have the mental health support they need.
On World Suicide Prevention Day, we reaffirm our belief
that mental health is an essential part of overall
health, and together, we renew our commitment to
supporting and empowering all Americans to seek the
care they need.
Suicide is often related to serious depression,
substance use disorders, and other mental health
conditions. That is why recognizing severe
psychological distress and ensuring access to the care
and services needed to diagnose and treat mental
illness are crucial to our efforts to prevent suicide.
Individuals can also experience emotional and mental
health crises in response to a wide range of
situations--from difficulties in personal relationships
to the loss of a job to bullying at school. And for
some of our Nation's veterans and military service
members, these challenges are compounded by the
invisible wounds of war. Tragically, these crises can
sometimes involve thoughts of suicide--and we must do
more to support those suffering.
All Americans can take part in promoting mental well-
being and preventing suicide. Everyone can contribute
to a culture where individuals are supported and
accepted for who they are--no matter what they look
like, who they love, or what challenges they face--and
where it is okay to ask for help.
We can do more to recognize the signs of mental health
issues early and encourage those in need to reach out
for support. And we must remind our loved ones that
seeking treatment is not a sign of weakness; it is a
sign of strength. If you or someone you know is in need
of help, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
offers immediate assistance for all Americans at 1-800-
273-TALK. Veterans, service members, and their loved
ones can call this number to reach the Veterans Crisis
Line, and they can also send a text message to 838255.
The Affordable Care Act extends mental health and
substance use disorder benefits and parity protections
to over 60 million Americans, helping men and women
across our country access critical care. Protections
under the health care law prohibit insurers from
denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions,
like a diagnosis of mental illness, and require most
insurance plans to cover recommended preventive
services without copays, including behavioral
assessments for children and depression screenings.
In February, I was proud to sign the Clay Hunt Suicide
Prevention for American Veterans Act to help fill
serious gaps in serving veterans with post-traumatic
stress and other illnesses. This law builds upon our
ongoing efforts to end the tragedy of suicide among our
troops and veterans. Last year, I announced 19
Executive actions to make it easier for service members
and veterans to access the care they need when they
need it, and our Government has focused additional
resources on mental health services, including
increasing the number of mental health providers at the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
[[Page 55216]]
My Administration is also committed to doing all we can
to empower those facing challenges and hardship. We are
dedicated to combating bullying, harassment, and
discrimination in our schools and communities. We are
doing more to guarantee all veterans and members of our
Armed Forces--as well as their families--get the help
they deserve while they are serving our Nation, as they
transition to civilian life, and long after they have
returned home. And across the Federal Government, we
are working to ensure all Americans are supported in
times of crisis.
Suicide prevention is the responsibility of all people.
One small act--the decision to reach out to your
neighbor, offer support to a friend, or encourage a
veteran in need to seek help--can make a difference. It
can help energize a national conversation and a
changing attitude across America. If you are hurting,
know this: You are not forgotten. You are never alone.
Your country is here for you, and help is available. As
we pause to raise awareness of the importance of
suicide prevention, let us remember all those we have
lost and the loved ones they left behind. As one
people, we stand with all who struggle with mental
illness, and we continue our work to prevent this
heartbreak in our communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim September 10, 2015,
as World Suicide Prevention Day. I call upon citizens,
government agencies, organizations, health care
providers, and research institutions to raise awareness
of the mental health resources and support services
available in their communities and encourage all those
in need to seek the care and treatment necessary for a
long and healthy life.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and fortieth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2015-23222
Filed 9-11-15; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F5