*HC1012*
Introduced Version
HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION No. ____
DIGEST OF INTRODUCED RESOL UTION
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION asking for the support
of every Hoosier to help reduce veteran suicide.
Haggard, Bartels, Judy, Lucas,
Soliday
_______________________, read first time and referred to Committee on
20242220
2024 HC 1012/DI 140 Introduced
Second Regular Session of the 123rd General Assembly (2024)
HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION No. ____
1 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION asking for the support of
2 every Hoosier to help reduce veteran suicide.
3 Whereas, The members of the United States Armed Forces,
4 Army Reserves, National Guard, and veterans have selflessly
5 served and sacrificed to defend the Nation's freedom and
6 security;
7 Whereas, The wounds sustained through their service to the
8 United States are both visible and invisible, and those invisible
9 wounds are harder to recognize and treat. The bearers of these
10 wounds need help and support;
11 Whereas, The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
12 determined that an average of nearly 17 veterans die by suicide
13 each day, and 18 percent of all veteran deaths are by suicide;
14 Whereas, The persistent challenges of posttraumatic stress,
15 depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues contribute
16 to an alarming rate of suicide within the military and veteran
17 populations;
18 Whereas, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
19 Administration leads Indiana in the Governor's and Mayor's
20 Challenges to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members,
21 Veterans, and their Families, and has developed a
22 comprehensive plan to help prevent suicide among service
23 members, veterans, and their families and caregivers; and
24 Whereas, The stigma surrounding reaching out for help
25 regarding mental health issues must be eliminated, resulting in
2024 HC 1012/DI 140 2
1 the reduction of suicide rates among Indiana veterans:
2 Therefore,
3 Be it resolved by the House of Representatives
4 of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana,
5 the Senate concurring:
6 SECTION 1. The Indiana General Assembly urges the
7 Governor to use his influence to make veteran suicide
8 awareness and prevention a priority in the government,
9 educational, and business communities of Indiana.
10 SECTION 2. That every citizen of Indiana be made aware of
11 the Veterans Crisis Line, which provides direct and confidential
12 support for veterans by dialing 988, option 1 for calls, and
13 838255 for texts.
14 SECTION 3. That the Indiana General Assembly urges the
15 Indiana Veterans' Affairs Commission to take whatever action
16 necessary to reduce the suicide rate among veterans in Indiana.
2024 HC 1012/DI 140