88R12800 AMB-D
 
  By: Hunter H.C.R. No. 63
 
 
 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, Suicide rates rose across the United States from
  2000 to 2020, and the State of Texas saw a nearly 37 percent
  increase during that period; and
         WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
  Prevention, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the
  nation, claiming more than 45,900 lives in 2020 alone, and
  provisional data indicates that the number and rate of suicides in
  the U.S. increased by four percent from 2020 to 2021; moreover,
  there are millions of adults who have seriously considered or
  attempted suicide, and the stigma associated with mental health
  conditions often prevents these individuals from seeking the care
  they need; and
         WHEREAS, There has also been an alarming increase in the
  number of suicide attempts and deaths by suicide in Texas
  correctional institutions, with little understanding of what the
  cause might be; and
         WHEREAS, While the social impact of these deaths is
  undeniable but difficult to quantify, the economic toll of suicide
  on society is clear, with suicides and suicide attempts costing the
  nation approximately $93.5 billion annually in lifetime medical and
  work-loss costs; and
         WHEREAS, All 50 states have a suicide prevention plan, but
  most states, including Texas, do not require suicide prevention
  training for health care professionals; evidence shows that states
  and communities can do more to identify and support people at risk
  of suicide by teaching coping skills, promoting safe and supportive
  environments, and connecting people to effective and coordinated
  mental and physical health care; and
         WHEREAS, Suicide is a public health issue of vital importance
  to all Texans, and the development of suicide prevention strategies
  would help to save lives; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas
  hereby request the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House
  of Representatives to create a joint interim committee to study
  suicide prevention in Texas, including in Texas correctional
  institutions; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That the committee's proceedings and operations be
  governed by such general rules and policies for interim committees
  as the 88th Texas Legislature may adopt; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That the committee shall submit a full report,
  including findings and recommendations, to the 89th Texas
  Legislature before it convenes in January 2025.