Designates September 22nd of each year as "Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day."
The introduction of AJR67 is expected to enhance public consciousness around the issue of veteran suicides and mental health. By establishing an annual day of remembrance, the resolution encourages organizations, public officials, and citizens to engage in activities that promote awareness and support for mental health resources. This could potentially lead to more veterans receiving the help they need, destigmatizing the discussion of mental health and improving access to necessary treatments. The resolution also calls for the Governor of New Jersey to issue a proclamation to mark this observation each year.
Assembly Joint Resolution 67 (AJR67) designates September 22nd of each year as 'Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day' in the State of New Jersey. The resolution aims to raise public awareness of the mental health challenges faced by veterans and active military personnel, specifically addressing the alarming rates of suicide among these groups. Since 2010, over 65,000 veterans and active military members have died by suicide, a number greater than American combat deaths during the Vietnam War and subsequent conflicts. The bill stresses the need for public observance to honor those who have made significant sacrifices in service of their country and to promote mental health discussions.
While there appears to be a broad consensus on the importance of addressing veteran mental health, discussions surrounding the bill may reflect underlying tensions regarding how best to approach mental health in military communities. The resolution seeks to normalize conversations around suicide and PTSD, but some might argue about the adequacy of public awareness campaigns versus the need for systemic changes in mental healthcare for veterans. Ensuring that resources are available and effectively utilized could be a point of contention, as insufficient funding or access to mental healthcare services remains a challenging issue for many veterans.
The resolution was inspired by personal experiences, specifically noting veterans who have succumbed to suicide. By acknowledging September 22nd as a dedicated day of remembrance, AJR67 seeks to honor these individuals and promote unity among their families and communities. Moreover, the resolution highlights contributions from the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and nonprofit entities that provide crucial mental health resources, framing the day as both a memorial and a rallying point for continued advocacy in support of veterans and service members.