HR 1321: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Georgia chapter for leadership in suicide prevention; commend

House Resolution 1321

By: Representatives Holland of the 54th, Moore of the 91st, Lupton of the 83rd, Drenner of the 85th, and Roberts of the 52nd

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and its Georgia chapter for leadership in suicide prevention; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, suicide is a preventable public-health emergency that affects families in every region of this State and demands sustained attention to prevention, early identification, crisis response, and recovery supports; and

WHEREAS, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) works to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide through research, education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia chapter of AFSP mobilizes survivors, clinicians, educators, veterans, caregivers, and community leaders to advance evidence-informed suicide prevention and to support those impacted by suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide loss; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia chapter of AFSP is holding an Advocacy Action Day on February 12, 2026, to share information and engage policymakers on practical, evidence-informed actions that save lives; and

WHEREAS, the 2024 Georgia Student Health Survey indicates more than 73,000 of the State's 6th-12th grade students reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year; and

WHEREAS, an analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mortality data reported that, over the ten-year period from 2014 to 2024, Georgia experienced the largest increase among the 50 states in the suicide rate among young adults ages 18 to 27-approximately a 65 percent increase-during a period when many states saw declines for this age group; and

WHEREAS, these indicators underscore an urgent, statewide prevention imperative: reducing suicide requires not only crisis response, but also earlier identification of risk, timely access to clinically appropriate care, and stronger protective factors in schools and communities-objectives advanced when public institutions, health systems, and community partners act with shared urgency and clear accountability; and

WHEREAS, AFSP's prevention work-through public education, community programs, and volunteer engagement-helps reduce stigma, improve recognition of warning signs, and connect individuals to help before a crisis becomes fatal; and

WHEREAS, every Georgian should know that immediate help is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, as well as specialized resources including the Veterans Crisis Line and the Crisis Text Line.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize and commend the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and its Georgia chapter for their tireless leadership in suicide prevention and for bringing hope, support, and practical tools to Georgians affected by suicide. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body encourage all Georgians-families, schools, faith communities, employers, health care partners, and civic organizations-to promote help-seeking, share crisis resources, and ensure that individuals in distress are met with urgency, dignity, and support.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.