Designates calendar week that includes September 10th of each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" in NJ.

SJR97

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

No. 97

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

�

INTRODUCED MARCH 5, 2026

Sponsored by:

Senator� ANGELA V. MCKNIGHT

District 31 (Hudson)

Senator� KRISTIN M. CORRADO

District 40 (Bergen, Essex and Passaic)

SYNOPSIS

���� Designates calendar week that includes September 10th
of each year as �Suicide Prevention Week� in NJ.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

���� As introduced.

��

A Joint
Resolution
designating the calendar week,
beginning on Sunday, which includes September
10th
, of each year as �Suicide Prevention Week� in New
Jersey.

Whereas,

Suicide is a public health issue that requires vigilant attention and
preventative action; and

Whereas,

There were 44,965 deaths by suicide recorded in the United States in 2016 and
687 of those deaths were in New Jersey; and

Whereas,

Every death by suicide directly impacts numerous family members, friends, loved
ones, and by extension the entire community; and

Whereas,

New Jersey is committed to raising awareness, providing education and training
on suicide prevention, and reducing stigma; and

Whereas,

New Jersey is also committed to 1) ensuring that those in need have access to
services by healthcare providers trained in best practices to reduce suicide
risk and 2) reducing the stigma associated with using behavioral health
treatment or losing a loved one to suicide; and

Whereas,

New Jersey provides many suicide prevention resources, including the New Jersey
Suicide Hopeline, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 2nd Floor Youth
Helpline, Vet2Vet Helpline, and Cop2Cop program; and

Whereas,

No single suicide prevention effort will be sufficient or appropriate for all
populations or communities; and

Whereas,

It is altogether fitting and proper, and within the public interest, to
designate the calendar week, beginning on Sunday, which includes September 10th
of each year as �Suicide Prevention Week� in New Jersey to encourage the
citizens of this State to join together and take a stand to prevent suicide;
now, therefore,

����
Be It
Resolved
by the Senate and General Assembly of
the State of New Jersey:

���� 1.��� The calendar week,
beginning on Sunday, which includes September 10th of each year is designated
as �Suicide Prevention Week� in New Jersey to encourage the citizens of this
State to join together and take a stand to prevent suicide.

���� 2.��� The Governor is
respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the
calendar week, beginning on Sunday, including September 10th of each year as
�Suicide Prevention Week� in New Jersey and to call upon public officials and
the residents of New Jersey to observe the week with appropriate activities and
programs.

���� 3.��� This joint resolution
shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

���� This joint resolution
designates the calendar week, beginning on Sunday, which includes September
10th of each year as �Suicide Prevention Week.�

���� Suicide is a public health
issue that requires vigilant attention and preventative action.� With almost
45,000 lives lost to suicide in 2016, 687 of which were lost in New Jersey, it
is clear that suicide affects not only the victim�s family and friends, but
also entire communities.� While New Jersey has a number of suicide prevention
resources, it is important to remember that no single suicide prevention effort
will be sufficient or appropriate for all populations or communities.�

���� New Jersey is committed to
raising awareness, providing education and training, and reducing stigma
related to suicide.� By ensuring that those in need have access to services and
educating families to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health
issues and suicide, New Jersey can help individuals struggling with thoughts of
suicide and promote an environment of inclusivity and support throughout the
State.