During National Suicide Prevention Week, Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte spoke on the House floor to bring attention to efforts underway in Montana to address suicide, the eighth leading cause of death in the state.
"I speak out today, during Suicide Prevention Week, because suicide is preventable," said Gianforte. "Access to crisis resources saves lives. Mental and behavioral health research saves lives. Ending the stigma surrounding suicide saves lives."
Gianforte highlighted Billings Clinic's plans to establish Montana's first psychiatry residency program. Gianforte recently meet with Billings Clinic providers and administrators, and toured the hospital's new Psychiatric Stabilization Unit.
"There is good news out of Montana," Gianforte said. "The Billings Clinic, which I recently toured, announced it will launch Montana's first psychiatry residency program. This will expand access to mental health care to our more rural areas."
Gianforte's remarks as prepared:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a tragic epidemic that impacts too many Montanans and Americans.
Suicide rates are increasing across the country. On average, a Montanan dies by suicide every 33 hours. Suicide is now the eighth leading cause of death in Montana.
The Center for Disease Control recently reported a 30 percent increase in suicide rates in the last twenty years, with nearly 45,000 Americans taking their own lives in 2016.
Veterans account for almost 20 percent of all suicides in the United States. Suicide rates among farmers have been increasing.
We, however, can reverse the trajectory of one of the leading causes of death in this country.
There is good news out of Montana. The Billings Clinic, which I recently toured, announced it will launch Montana's first psychiatry residency program. This will expand access to mental health care to our more rural areas.
I speak out today, during Suicide Prevention Week, because suicide is preventable.
Access to crisis resources saves lives. Mental and behavioral health research saves lives. Ending the stigma surrounding suicide saves lives.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.