NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

On 2023-09-26, Representative Mike Bost (R-IL-12) delivered a floor speech titled "NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH" in the House. The speech addressed defense and also covered trade policy, education.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 169 Issue 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023) [Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023)] [House] [Page H4467] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) for 5 minutes. Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The CDC data shows that nearly 50,000 Americans died by suicide last year--an increase of 2.6 percent nationwide. Our veterans are at special risk. The risk of suicide for veterans is 57.3 percent higher than nonveterans, and 17 veterans are still lost to suicide every single day. In the 21st century, four times more servicemembers and veterans have died by suicide than have died in military combat. We can and must put an end to this crisis. We can do it with fast access to care, innovative mental health services, and continuing to strengthen the VA's partnership with our community-based organizations. The Veterans Crisis Line plays a vital role in suicide prevention. Veterans and their families can talk safely and anonymously with a trained crisis counselor. This type of access is proven to save lives. We have a sacred obligation to those who defended our country. In this Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, please reach out to anyone who you might think would be struggling. Remember, you can dial 988 on your phone and press 1. Let me say that again. You can dial 988 and press 1 on your phone. You are not alone. We have access to help for you. Honoring William ``Bill'' Black Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, the picture before you here is the Honorable William ``Bill'' Black, who I served with in the State legislature. He passed on September 9, and I wrote these words September 9 when I learned God had called him home. He was a close friend and a mentor. William ``Bill'' Black. You, my friend, could teach the unteachable because you were truly a teacher. You always did it with respect. You were a great orator. You could deliver the message that you wanted and needed to convey that everyone who was listening could understand, whether you were the most educated scholar or just an average person from the street. In your own words, you would always put the cabbage down where the hogs could eat it. You did it through a story of life experience or a story of someone else's life experience. You used your ability to communicate to benefit your students, your constituents, and your colleagues to make your community, your State, and your country a better place. As a legislator, you knew and understood that every word, dot, and comma was important and would have an effect on generations to come. Because of this, you stood boldly in the gap of what is political gamesmanship and true statesmanship. Thank you for being the statesman that you were. Your tutelage, your ability to deliver your message through communication, and your understanding of the legislative process has made your community, your State, this country, and me a better person because of who you were. I will miss you, my friend. Thank you for all you have taught me. I love you, William, and I will miss you so. ____________________