Congressman Keith Self, along with Congressman Donald Norcross and Congresswoman Judy Chu, has introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate September 22 each year as National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day. The initiative aims to bring attention to the mental health challenges faced by military personnel and veterans.
“September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and I believe it is important to bring additional awareness to the devastating fact that we are losing as many as 22 Veterans a day to suicide,” said Congressman Keith Self. “It is our job as Americans to support our military members and Veterans. By designating September 22 as National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day, we recognize the struggles they face and bring attention to the importance of providing adequate mental health support and resources to military personnel and Veterans.”
Congressman Donald Norcross emphasized the need for continued support: “Every day, too many servicemembers and veterans struggle in silence. Designating September 22 as National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day helps us take one step toward ending the stigma, raising awareness, and ensuring that no veteran feels alone. Supporting our servicemembers and veterans must extend beyond the battlefield.”
Congresswoman Judy Chu shared her personal connection to the issue: “Far too many of our servicemembers and Veterans struggle with mental health and suicidal thoughts. As the only psychologist in Congress, I am proud to partner with Congressmembers Self and Norcross to highlight this community’s needs and advocate for the mental health support that our troops deserve. This issue is deeply personal for me as my nephew, U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Harry Lew, took his own life after he was the victim of a horrific hazing incident while serving our country in Afghanistan. I will continue to speak out against military hazing and stand up for our servicemembers and Veterans. With this bipartisan resolution, we have the chance to save lives and ensure that those who sacrifice for our nation receive the help and care they have earned.”
Other cosponsors include Rep. Zachary Nunn, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Monica De La Cruz, Rep. Barry Moore, Rep. Byron Donalds, Rep. Patrick Ryan, Rep. Jay Obernolte, and Rep. Rudy Yakym.
Keith Self has previously demonstrated strong electoral support in his district; in 2024 he won re-election against Sandeep Srivastava with 62.5% of the vote compared to Srivastava’s 37.6%. In 2022 he also defeated Srivastava with a margin of 60.5% to 36.9%.
Veterans or their families seeking assistance are encouraged by Congressman Self’s office to reach out at (202)-225-4201 for federal resources related to service members’ needs. Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts can dial 988 for immediate access to help through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
