Reps. Murphy, Anderson, Bieda, Brown, Condino, Ehardt, Garfield, Gieleghem, Hood, Hopgood, Kooiman, Palsrok, Pappageorge, Plakas, Richardville, Rivet, Sak, Sheltrown, Shulman, Spade, Stallworth, Tabor, Taub, Vagnozzi, Waters, Wojno, Accavitti, Adamini, Byrum, Caul, Clack, Dennis, DeRossett, Elkins, Farrah, Gleason, Huizenga, Jamnick, Kolb, LaSata, Lipsey, Rocca, Stakoe, Tobocman and Phillips offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 318.

            A resolution recognizing October 6, 2004, as Suicide Prevention Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death and it is the 3rd leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24.  Over 500 youth committed suicide last year in Michigan alone; and

            Whereas, Males are more likely to die from suicide than females.  Suicide rates are highest among whites and second highest among American Indian and Native Alaskan men; and

            Whereas, The first step in preventing suicide is to identify and understand the risk factors.  Risk factors are not necessarily causes, they 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.  Other risk factors are feelings of hopelessness, impulsive or aggressive tendencies, loss, isolation, and physical illness.  In addition, barriers to accessing mental health treatment and easy access to lethal methods are risk factors. They could also include suicidal thoughts, cultural or religious beliefs, local epidemics of suicide, and an unwillingness to seek help because of stigmas attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders; and

            Whereas, Protective factors have been identified to help shield individuals from the risks associated with suicide.  These include effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders.  They also include easy access to a variety of clinical interventions, family and community support, and support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships. In addition, protective factors include skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent handling of disputes.  Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation instincts are also protective factors; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize October 6, 2004, as Suicide Prevention Awareness Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Association of Suicidology as a token of our respect for the work they have done for the citizens of Michigan.