ASSEMBLY AGING AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION No. 112

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 6, 2024

      The Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Joint Resolution No. 112.

      As amended by the committee, 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 49,000 lives lost to suicide in 2021, 688 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.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      The committee amended the bill to update the statistics concerning the number of suicides listed in the bill to reflect more current information reported by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2021.