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Lawmakers highlight veteran and youth suicide concerns during naming committee debate
Summary
Members of the House Naming & Designating Committee discussed veteran and youth suicide rates — citing a national estimate of roughly 22 veteran suicides per day and Tennessee's rate being 14.7% above the national average — during consideration of SJR0592; lawmakers urged awareness, training and further action.
During consideration of SJR0592 on March 9, committee members raised concerns about both veteran and youth suicide in Tennessee and asked what is driving the state's rate above the national average.
Representative Fritz, who identified himself as adjutant of American Legion Post 50 in Rockwood, praised the resolution and said many in the General Assembly have been personally affected by suicide. He told colleagues the measure encourages constituency-level outreach and support.
Representative Warner asked the sponsor for information on causes behind Tennessee's higher rate, asking, "Do you have any information or any idea what's driving that 14% higher than a national average?" Representative Hicks replied that he did not have specific drivers but said mental-health challenges in schools, pandemic-era effects, and rural isolation likely contribute. Hicks also gave personal testimony about friends who died by suicide and said he had survived an attempt, noting the experience shaped his support for the resolution.
The discussion emphasized awareness and training rather than new funding or statutory change; Representative Bricken suggested making the designation recurring rather than year-specific, and Hicks said that could be considered in a future measure. The committee took no amendment on the substance of the resolution during this session.
