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H.C.R. 6 Enrolled

                 

RESOLUTION ON TEEN SUICIDE

                 
AWARENESS AND SUICIDE PREVENTION

                 
1999 GENERAL SESSION

                 
STATE OF UTAH

                 
Sponsor: Trisha S. Beck

                  A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATURE AND THE GOVERNOR
                  RECOGNIZING THE DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS OF SUICIDE AS A MATTER OF GREAT
                  CONCERN TO THE STATE AND ITS CITIZENS; AND ENCOURAGING EFFORTS
                  DESIGNED TO PREVENT SUICIDE AND REHABILITATE THOSE WHO SURVIVE
                  SUICIDE ATTEMPTS.
                  Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
                      WHEREAS, statistics in Utah identify suicide as the leading cause of death for males ages
                  15 to 44, and the number two killer of individuals under age 19;
                      WHEREAS, Utah's suicide rate for ages 15 to 19 has increased nearly 150% in the last 20
                  years;
                      WHEREAS, the actual number of suicides and suicide attempts may be as great as four
                  times the number reported since they are often classified as either accidents or homicides;
                      WHEREAS, while the suicide completion rate per 100,000 has remained relatively stable
                  over the past 40 years for the general population, it has nearly tripled for young people over the
                  same time period;
                      WHEREAS, the stigma associated with mental illness works against suicide prevention
                  by keeping persons at risk of completing suicide from seeking lifesaving help;
                      WHEREAS, suicide is a complex, multifaceted biological, sociological, psychological, and
                  societal problem;
                      WHEREAS, even though many suicides are currently preventable, there is a great need for
                  the development and utilization of more effective suicide prevention programs; and
                      WHEREAS, suicide prevention efforts should be encouraged to the maximum extent
                  possible:
                      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the


                  Governor concurring therein, recognize the destructive effects of suicide as a matter of great concern
                  to the citizens of Utah and its leaders.
                      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor recognize that, while
                  no single suicide prevention program or effort is appropriate for all populations or communities,
                  strengthening efforts to prevent these tragedies is a state priority.
                      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage efforts
                  dedicated to preventing suicide, responding to people at risk for suicide and people who have
                  attempted suicide, promoting safe and effective treatment for persons at risk for suicidal behavior,
                  supporting those who have lost a loved one to suicide, and developing an effective state strategy for
                  the prevention of suicide.
                      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor urge that accessibility
                  and affordability issues related to insurance and mental health services be resolved so that all persons
                  at risk for suicide may obtain services, and support educational efforts to remove the stigma attached
                  to mental health issues.
                      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Utah Department
                  of Health, the Division of Child and Family Services, the State Board of Education, and the Utah
                  Parent Teachers Association.

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