Bill Text: MI SR0091 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare September 2017, as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-09-19 - Adopted [SR0091 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-SR0091-Enrolled.html
SR91, As Adopted by Senate, September 19, 2017
Senators Meekhof offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 91.
A resolution to declare September 2017, as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month.
Whereas, Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the state; and
Whereas, Suicide touches people of all ages and walks of life, but the highest rates of suicide in Michigan are among those aged 35-59 years of age; and
Whereas, In this state, suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15- to 34-year-olds and a leading cause of death among those individuals enrolled in college; and
Whereas, In the year 2016, more than 1,300 people in Michigan died as a result of suicide; and
Whereas, Suicide’s impact in the nation and in our state is enormous, whether measured in numbers of deaths, attempts, economic and medical benefit costs, or the devastation to survivors; and
Whereas, The causes of suicide are complex and multifaceted, involving psychological, biological, and sociological factors; and
Whereas, Suicide is often the result of untreated mental illness, especially depressive illnesses, and research indicates that many suicides could have been prevented with immediate and appropriate intervention and treatment; and
Whereas, Suicide prevention opportunities continue to increase due to advances in clinical research pertaining to the diagnosis and effective treatment of mental illness, along with advances in neuroscience and in the development of community-based suicide prevention initiatives; and
Whereas, Much more can and must be done to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for emotional or mental health problems or help for suicidal thoughts and behavior; and
Whereas, Research demonstrates that increased public awareness of warning signs of suicide and awareness of appropriate and effective intervention strategies would reduce suicide deaths; and
Whereas, Greater public consciousness of suicide as a major public health problem will help keep our citizens safe and healthy and is part of the greater efforts of the Michigan Legislature, which was personally touched by the suicide this year with the loss of one, State Representative, John Kivela (D-Marquette) in whose name and honor this resolution is offered, to raise awareness of mental health issues and prevent suicides; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body declare September 2017, as Suicide Prevention Month; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards and mental health and suicide prevention advocates throughout the state of Michigan.
