HARRISBURG, PA – September 8, 2025 − Today, State Senator James Andrew Malone (D-36, Lancaster) spoke on the Senate floor in support of Resolutions 138 and 144, which he introduced with Senator Tina Tartaglione (D-2, Philadelphia), to recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month and September 10 as Suicide Prevention Day, respectively.
“Each year, suicide claims the lives of nearly 2,000 of our neighbors in Pennsylvania,” said Senator Malone. “According to the CDC, more than 49,000 people died by suicide nationally in 2023. Our hope is to lower deaths by suicide through raising awareness concerning the importance of having open conversations about mental health.”
Research shows that open and honest conversations about mental health can lower the risk of death by suicide. With 1 in 13 people across Pennsylvania reporting serious mental health challenges, Senators Malone and Tartaglione introduced Resolutions 138 and 144 to raise awareness and encourage people to have open conversations with friends and family about mental health.
“Whenever discuss suicide, we must always call out the elephant in the room,” Senator Malone continued. “Firearms are the most common method used in suicides across the U.S. They accounted for more than 50% of all suicides in 2023.”
As a gun owner and sportsman, Senator Malone encouraged everyone to protect their families and loved ones by safely storing firearms.
Watch and download Senator Malone’s floor remarks here.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Free Gun Locks Available for Constituents
Throughout the month of September, Senator Malone’s office is partnering with Mental Health America to provide free gun locks to constituents. Gun locks are available for pickup at Senator Malone’s district office during regular business hours, as well as during mobile office hours across the district.