Louisiana House Bill HCR41

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/16/18
• Engrossed: 4/16/18
• Passed: 4/18/18

Caption

Recognizes April 16, 2018, as Suicide Prevention Day

Impact

The resolution aims to foster a deeper understanding of suicide prevention and the associated mental health challenges. It advocates for initiatives that align with the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the Louisiana Plan for Youth Suicide Prevention. By promoting recognition of the day, the bill encourages dialogue and action on suicide prevention efforts, thereby potentially influencing future policies and resource allocation towards mental health services.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution No. 41 (HCR41) recognizes April 16, 2018, as Suicide Prevention Day at the State Capitol. The resolution highlights the critical impact of suicide as a public health issue, noting it as the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the second leading cause among individuals aged fifteen to thirty-four. It stresses the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to combat rising suicide rates, particularly among the youth, and emphasizes the importance of mental health treatment in addressing this pressing issue.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR41 is overwhelmingly supportive, focusing on the necessity of raising public awareness about suicide and mental health issues. Legislators and advocacy groups backing the resolution view it as a proactive step toward reducing stigma and encouraging individuals at risk to seek help. There is consensus among supporters that without adequate attention and resources for mental health, the cycle of suicide will persist unchecked.

Contention

While the resolution generally enjoys bipartisan support, potential concerns could surface regarding the allocation of resources for mental health services versus other health expenditures. Some may argue about the sufficiency of existing programs and whether recognizing a day is an effective approach to addressing the underlying issues of mental health. Nevertheless, specific points of contention seem minimal, given the bill's focus on awareness and prevention.