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House Human Services Committee reports resolutions recognizing recovery, suicide-prevention observances and White Cane Safety Day
Summary
The House Human Services Committee unanimously reported four ceremonial resolutions designating observance dates for National Recovery Month, suicide-prevention awareness, National Suicide Prevention Week and White Cane Safety Day. Committee members highlighted overdose and suicide-prevention concerns while taking no substantive policy action.
The House Human Services Committee voted to report four ceremonial resolutions recognizing National Recovery Month, suicide-prevention observances and White Cane Safety Day.
Chairman Heffley, sponsor of House Resolution 290, said the resolution is intended to promote education, prevention and support for people with substance use disorder. He cited state Department of Health preliminary figures, saying "approximately 4,700 Pennsylvanians died from overdoses in 2023, and 3,336 have reportedly died in 2024." Heffley said the resolution aims to recognize people in recovery, friends and family members who support recovery, and recovery community organizations, and asked for an affirmative vote.
Committee staff member Ashley read each summary into the record before votes. Committee members recorded no negative votes when each resolution was taken up; members voted to report House Resolutions 290, 291, 312 and 313 to the full House.
Votes at a glance
- House Resolution 290 (Printer's No. 2186): Designates September 2025 as National Recovery Month in Pennsylvania. Sponsor: Chairman Heffley. Action: Reported from the Human Services Committee; no negative votes recorded.
- House Resolution 291 (Printer's No. 2192): Recognizes September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Sept. 10, 2025, as World Suicide Prevention Day in Pennsylvania. Sponsor: Rep. O'Meara. Action: Reported from the Human Services Committee; no negative votes recorded.
- House Resolution 312 (Printer's No. 2305): Recognizes Oct. 15, 2025, as White Cane Safety Day in Pennsylvania. Sponsor: Rep. Howard. Action: Reported from the Human Services Committee; Rep. Flick was added as a vote by designation (VBD); no negative votes recorded.
- House Resolution 313 (Printer's No. 2301): Recognizes the week of September 2025 as National Suicide Prevention Week in Pennsylvania. Sponsor: Rep. O'Meara. Action: Reported from the Human Services Committee; no negative votes recorded.
Committee context and next steps
Committee discussion was brief and focused on recognition and awareness rather than policy changes. Heffley said the resolution is intended to "promote education, prevention, and substance use disorder support" and to emphasize that "recovery is an option." A committee member noted that recognizing Recovery Month provides a chance to celebrate progress while acknowledging work remaining to reduce stigma and expand access to treatment.
No substantive legislation, program funding or regulatory changes were enacted during the meeting; the items were reported to the full House for further consideration. The committee adjourned after reporting the resolutions.
