Tartaglione Presents Resolution in Capitol Rotunda on “World Suicide Prevention Day”

Harrisburg − Sept. 28, 2016 − State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today presented a copy of a Senate resolution declaring Sept. 10, 2016 as “World Suicide Prevention Day” to a group of advocates and families in the Capitol Rotunda.

Sen. Tartaglione at the "World Suicide Prevention Day" event in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg.

Sen. Tartaglione at the “World Suicide Prevention Day” event in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg.

“The goal in declaring ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ and presenting a copy of the resolution to advocates and families is to raise awareness about how suicides are a major health concern,” Tartaglione said.  “The hope is that we can save lives by calling attention to this very difficult issue.”

Tartaglione said that each year on Sept. 10 the International Association for Suicide Prevention and World Health Organization (WHO) observe “World Suicide Prevention Day.”

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States.  There are about 800,000 people who die from suicide every year, according to WHO.  Suicide survivors are 25 times more likely to commit suicide in the future.

“Heightened awareness about suicides may result in a friend in distress going to see a mental health professional for treatment,” Tartaglione said.

On behalf of Gov. Tom Wolf, Tartaglione also presented a gubernatorial proclamation to the advocates and families.

Tartaglione’s legislation, Senate Resolution 425, was approved by the full Senate on Sept. 26.

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Tartaglione Resolutions Designate September as ‘Spinal Cord Awareness Month,’ Sept. 10 as ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’

HARRISBURG, June 24, 2015 – In her ongoing work to include Pennsylvanians with disabilities in daily life, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today won Senate passage of resolutions that will designate September as “National Spinal Cord Awareness Month” and Sept. 10 as “World Suicide Prevention Day” in the commonwealth.

During the month-long “National Spinal Cord Awareness Month,” Tartaglione said the designation is important to her because of the boating accident that changed her life, and because spinal cord injuries happen too frequently.

“Did you know that every 48 minutes, another person in the U.S. becomes paralyzed from a spinal cord injury?” Tartaglione asked fellow senators this afternoon. “Today, we have more Americans living with paralysis than ever before, and that number is growing exponentially as our veteran population expands.

“I ask that we take the necessary steps to ensure everyone gains access to the latest medical treatments and technologies because every individual with a spinal cord injury deserves the opportunity for a better quality of life,” she said.

For “World Suicide Prevention Day,” Tartaglione said it’s important for people to learn more about suicide because 1,700 Pennsylvanians take their own lives every year.

“By taking part in this important event, all of us can help put an end to suicide,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “From government to health professionals, from interest groups to family, friends and co-workers; everyone plays an equally important role in suicide prevention.

“Working together, we can increase awareness and education, so that individuals at-risk of suicide are identified, treated and provided with the post-intervention services they need.”

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