Bill Text: MI HR0398 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare September 23-29, 2018, as Suicide Prevention Week in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-09-26 - Adopted [HR0398 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-HR0398-Enrolled.html
Substitute for House Resolution No. 398.
A resolution to declare September 23-29, 2018, as Suicide Prevention Week in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Suicide is the 10th leading cause of deaths in Michigan; and
Whereas, Suicide touches people of all ages and walks of life, but the highest rates of suicide are among those aged 25 to 50 and increases with age; and
Whereas, In this state, suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds and a leading cause of death among those individuals enrolled in college; and
Whereas, In 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. The lifetime cost of medical care for persons dying by suicide and those being hospitalized following a suicide attempt is an estimated $1 billion; and
Whereas, The causes of suicide are complex and multifaceted, involving psychological, biological, and sociological factors. 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. Research demonstrates that increased public awareness of the 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 House of Representatives to raise awareness of mental health issues and prevent suicides; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 23-29, 2018, as Suicide Prevention Week in the state of Michigan; 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.
