This House resolution supports making September 17, 2026, “National Physician Suicide Awareness Day.” It says physicians face intense pressure and trauma on the job, which can raise suicide risk. The text cites findings such as about 6 in 10 physicians reporting increased anger, tearfulness, or anxiety; 55 percent feeling debilitating stress; 7 in 10 reporting stigma around mental health care; and higher suicide risk for women physicians compared with women in the general population. The resolution notes burdens like long hours, heavy administrative tasks, grief over losing patients, and structural barriers that discourage self-care and help-seeking.
The resolution: (1) supports the goals of the awareness day to highlight the mental health crisis affecting physicians; (2) supports dedicating a day to honor physicians who died by suicide; (3) recognizes the need for more research on physician suicide, barriers to treatment, help-seeking behaviors, burnout, and mental health care options; and (4) encourages the President to issue a proclamation asking people to observe the day with awareness and educational activities.
If adopted, the resolution expresses the House’s support for a national day of awareness on September 17, 2026. It calls for public education, remembrance, and more research into physician suicide and related barriers to care. The resolution has been introduced in the House and was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
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Supporters say a dedicated day can bring national attention to physician mental health, honor those who died by suicide, encourage research into causes and barriers to care, and promote public awareness and education.
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