SR-109, As Adopted by Senate, September 18, 2007

            Senator Richardville offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 109.

            A resolution recognizing September 2007 as Suicide Prevention Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, The members of the Michigan Senate are dedicated to the continued support of suicide prevention initiatives in the state of Michigan; and

            Whereas, The citizens of Michigan recognize suicide is a devastating tragedy affecting not only the victim’s family and friends, but the community and state as a whole; and

            Whereas, Research, unfortunately, shows that suicide claims the lives of over 30,000 individuals a year nationwide. In addition, suicide is currently one of the fastest-growing causes of death among youth and elderly. In Michigan alone, approximately 500 youth suicides are committed each year; and

            Whereas, The first step in preventing suicide is to identify and understand the risk factors. Not necessarily causes, these risk factors are instances that increase the likelihood that a person will harm themselves; and

            Whereas, Risk factors include a previous suicide attempt, a family history of suicide, a history of alcohol and/or substance abuse, a family history of child maltreatment, and a history of mental disorders, particularly depression. Also creating a compounding threat is the mere unwillingness to seek help because of stigmas attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders; and

            Whereas, Statistics show that awareness, education, and action against suicide does save lives; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we herby recognize September 2007 as Suicide Prevention Month in the state of Michigan.