On World Suicide Prevention Day, Ayotte Renews Call to Pass Bill That Supports Critical Suicide Prevention Efforts
Press Release
U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) today renewed her call for Congress to take up and pass the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2013 (S. 116), bipartisan legislation she is cosponsoring that would help support key suicide prevention efforts. Last year, the Senate voted 95 to 2 in favor of a bipartisan amendment-the Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act, also cosponsored by Senator Ayotte-that included a reauthorization of the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act.
"Too many families in New Hampshire and across our country have been touched by the tragedy of suicide, and we need to better inform the public of early warning signs, as well as work to reduce stigma, so that families and friends are better able to help loved ones in crisis," said Senator Ayotte. "World Suicide Prevention Day should serve as a call to action for Congress to renew the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, which supports suicide prevention programs that help save lives. We should act now to reauthorize this important legislation."
Earlier this year, Senator Ayotte was honored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for her leadership on suicide prevention and mental health legislation.
Tara Ball, a New Hampshire advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, said: "New Hampshire is so fortunate to have Senator Ayotte's continued support of suicide prevention and leadership in strengthening our nation's mental health system. I was honored to be with her when she was recognized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention this year, and I look forward to working with her on advancing legislation in support of this urgent issue."
According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, suicide is the second leading cause of death for New Hampshire youth and adults between the ages of 10 and 34.
If you or someone you know is in trouble, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is there to help and can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK.
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