H.C.R. 6

1

RESOLUTION ON TEEN SUICIDE
2 AWARENESS AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
3 1999 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Sponsor: Trisha S. Beck
6 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATURE AND THE GOVERNOR
7 RECOGNIZING THE DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS OF SUICIDE AS A MATTER OF GREAT
8 CONCERN TO THE STATE AND ITS CITIZENS; AND ENCOURAGING EFFORTS
9 DESIGNED TO PREVENT SUICIDE AND REHABILITATE THOSE WHO SURVIVE
10 SUICIDE ATTEMPTS.
11 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
12 WHEREAS, statistics in Utah identify suicide as the leading cause of death for males ages
13 15 to 44, and the number two killer of individuals under age 19;
14 WHEREAS, Utah's suicide rate for ages 15 to 19 has increased nearly 150% in the last 20
15 years;
16 WHEREAS, the actual number of suicides and suicide attempts may be as great as four
17 times the number reported since they are often classified as either accidents or homicides;
18 WHEREAS, while the suicide completion rate per 100,000 has remained relatively stable
19 over the past 40 years for the general population, it has nearly tripled for young people over the
20 same time period;
21 WHEREAS, the stigma associated with mental illness works against suicide prevention
22 by keeping persons at risk of completing suicide from seeking lifesaving help;
23 WHEREAS, suicide is a complex, multifaceted biological, sociological, psychological, and
24 societal problem;
25 WHEREAS, even though many suicides are currently preventable, there is a great need for
26 the development and utilization of more effective suicide prevention programs; and
27 WHEREAS, suicide prevention efforts should be encouraged to the maximum extent

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




Legislative Review Note
as of 2-1-99 5:59 PM

A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel