Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 23
CHAPTER 16

Relative to Construction Industry Suicide Prevention Awareness Day.

[ Filed with Secretary of State  April 16, 2021. ]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


ACR 23, Villapudua. Construction Industry Suicide Prevention Awareness Day.
This measure would promote awareness of the problem of suicide facing the men and women within California’s construction industry populations by proclaiming March 18, 2021, as Construction Industry Suicide Prevention Awareness Day in California.
Fiscal Committee: NO  

WHEREAS, Suicide is a serious and tragic public health problem that is growing in the United States that can be prevented through increased awareness, resources, and proper treatment; and
WHEREAS, Suicide affects all Americans, but data shows that our construction industry personnel, many of whom are also veterans seeking an opportunity to leverage their military construction skills, in California and the nation die by suicide at much higher rates than other populations; and
WHEREAS, According to a recent study by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate among working-age males, notably those between 16 and 64 years of age, increased 34 percent during the 2000 to 2016, inclusive, timeframe, and that the occupational group with the highest male suicide rate is construction and extraction; and
WHEREAS, The CDC recommends fostering social connections and economic supports, thereby improving access to appropriate mental health and other resources and services, and encouraging at-risk individuals to seek mental health treatment, if necessary, without the stigma that sometimes goes along with it, to possibly decrease the number of suicides; and
WHEREAS, The construction industry continues to seek better information about the root causes of the industry’s too high suicide rates; and
WHEREAS, This resolution endeavors to promote awareness of the problem of suicide and the particular epidemic facing the men and women within California’s construction industry populations and encourages our communities and the people of the State of California to work together to continue to educate the public on how to recognize the warning signs and improve the outreach to, and treatment of, these individuals at risk for suicide; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby proclaims March 18, 2021, as Construction Industry Suicide Prevention Awareness Day in California; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.