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HR 296

Memorials, Recognition - "Veterans Suicide Prevention Day," September 22 -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Justin Pearson

Declares September 22 in Tennessee as Veterans Suicide Prevention Day to raise awareness and endorses VA, CDC, and community prevention efforts without new mandates or funding.

Filed for introduction
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HR 296

Summary: House Resolution 296 (HR 296) – Tennessee, 114th General Assembly

Title

Memorializing September 22 as “Veterans Suicide Prevention Day” in Tennessee.

Primary purpose and intent

  • Recognizes and honors September 22 as “Veterans Suicide Prevention Day” in Tennessee.
  • Aims to raise awareness about veteran suicide as a significant public health issue and to acknowledge national and local efforts to prevent veteran suicides.
  • Emphasizes the ongoing work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and related agencies in suicide prevention strategies, screening, and community-based prevention efforts.

Key provisions and changes

  • Proclaims September 22 as Veterans Suicide Prevention Day within the state.
  • Acknowledges:
    • Suicide as a major public health issue and a rising trend in the general population and among veterans.
    • VA’s strategic priority to prevent veteran suicide (as identified in its 2018-2024 plan).
    • Specific veteran suicide statistics (e.g., 6,407 veteran suicide deaths in 2022 nationwide; 184 veteran suicides in Tennessee in 2022).
    • The importance of screening for suicide risk in mental health, emergency, and primary care settings (including VA’s Risk ID three-stage screening process).
    • The effectiveness of caring contacts (brief, non-demanding follow-up messages) in reducing suicide attempts and VA’s expansion of this program.
    • Community-based prevention approaches supported by CDC’s framework to create protective environments.
    • The importance of partnerships among VA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and communities to implement prevention plans at state and local levels.
  • Expresses support for continued research and programs to support veterans and prevent suicides.

Who or what would be affected

  • The resolution itself serves to officially recognize and honor the day within Tennessee.
  • No new mandates, funding provisions, or administrative requirements are stated in the text of the resolution.
  • It highlights and endorses the broader national and federal/agency-led suicide prevention efforts and the idea of applying these strategies at state and local levels.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Sponsor: Representative Pearson; Co-sponsor: Justin Pearson.
  • Status: Passed by the Tennessee House and signed on April 23, 2026; enrolled and ready for signature by the Speaker on the same date.
  • Action history indicates the resolution was adopted with overwhelming support (Ayes 89, Nays 0, PV 0) on April 23, 2026.

Impact overview

  • Symbolic and educational impact: Elevates awareness about veteran suicide prevention in Tennessee and aligns with national strategies.
  • Reiterates support for evidence-based approaches (screening, caring contacts, community prevention) without imposing new policy requirements or funding duties on state agencies.
  • May serve as a foundation for future state initiatives, collaborations, or programs aligned with VA, SAMHSA, and CDC prevention efforts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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