Representative Marlene Anielski Announces Committee Passage of Suicide Awareness Legislation

State Representative Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) today announced the Senate State and Local Government Committee’s passage of House Bill 440, legislation that promotes awareness for suicide loss and all who are affected by the tragedy.  The bill passed unanimously out of committee.

House Bill 440 would designate the Saturday before Thanksgiving as “Ohio Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.” According to testimony offered in committee, 1,500 Ohioans die by suicide each year, and countless more are negatively impacted by these losses and suffer from the grief of losing a loved one.

“This legislation is a step to acknowledge and to assist those families, friends, and loved ones who have been affected by suicide in their lives,” Rep. Anielski said.  “The silent epidemic that is plaguing our nation knows no age, geographical area, or socioeconomic limit.  I hope this day will serve as a time of healing and comfort for so many across our state.”

House Bill 440 will now await a Senate floor vote.