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Disclaimer: The following contains discussion of suicide and addiction.
Dear Friend,
Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the United States. This issue hits especially close to home for me. My sister attempted suicide when I was younger, and I know many Oregonians have similar stories.
I grew up in a household where talking about mental health felt taboo, but that silence cost us the chance to get help sooner. That is why observances like Suicide Prevention Month matter. They give us an opportunity to speak up, break the stigma, and make it easier to ask for help.
National Recovery Month
September is also National Recovery Month. In 2025, about 45 million Americans — roughly one in seven — struggled with a substance use disorder. National Recovery Month is a powerful reminder that recovery from substance use disorders is real and within reach.
What I am doing in Congress
Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month are a call to action. As co-chair of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, I am fighting every day to strengthen the continuum of care, expand access to treatment, and protect services that folks depend on. Here is a snapshot of the work I’m championing as your Representative.
The first step on the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. Costs often stop people before they even begin. That’s why I introduced the HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act to make it easier for people to get help by covering the cost of the first three behavioral health visits for those on Medicaid and Medicare.
For many, the most meaningful support comes from somebody who has lived through similar challenges. My PEER Support Act would expand access to peer-to-peer support services for those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.
I have also introduced bills that would…
Resources for you
If you or a loved one is struggling, please know that you are not alone. Free, confidential help is available. Save the following resources and forward this email to a friend.
Suicide and Crisis Line
Veterans Crisis Line
Oregon YouthLine (Under 18)
- Call: 1-877-968-8491
- Text: ‘teen2teen’ to 839863
- Website
The Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+)
Farm Aid’s Farmer Hotline
- Call: 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243)
- Farm Aid staff answer the hotline Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 7 PM PT
- Spanish Hotline is answered Monday through Friday from 6 AM – 2 PM PT
- Website
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
- Call: 1-800-985-5990
- Text: 1-800-985-5990
- For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: Text or call at 1-800-985-5990 using your preferred Relay provider
- Website
SAMHSA National Helpline (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service)
- Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- TTY: 1-800-487-4889
- Free service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- English and Spanish
- Text: 435748 (HELP4U) with your ZIP code to find help near you
- Website
National Problem Gambling Helpline
County-Specific Mental Health Resources in Oregon’s Sixth District
SAMHSA Find Support
SAMHSA Find Help
Find Treatment for Mental and Substance Use Disorders
I want to hear from you. If you have ideas, concerns, or experiences you want to share, please get in touch. Your input guides my work in Congress.
Be well,
Andrea Salinas
Member of Congress
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