LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim September 2013 as Suicide Prevention Month in New York State

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Gover-
nor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2013 as Suicide Prevention
Month in New York State, in conjunction with the observance of World
Suicide Prevention Day that is recognized internationally and supported
by the World Health Organization; and
WHEREAS, Suicide is the 10th leading cause of all deaths in the United
States, the third leading cause of death among individuals between the
ages of 15 to 24, and the second leading cause of death among college
students; and
WHEREAS, Twenty percent of those who die by suicide are active or
retired members of the military; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, one person completes suicide every 14.2
minutes; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that 4.6 million people in the United States
are survivors of suicide (those who have lost a loved one to suicide);
and
WHEREAS, 50.2 percent of people who die by suicide use a firearm, and
guns stored in the house are used for suicide 40 times more often than
for self-protection; and
WHEREAS, The stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness too often
impede an individual's ability to seek treatment, share their personal
story, grieve appropriately for the loss of a loved one, and move
through a journey of healing and recovery; and
WHEREAS, A great many suicides are preventable; and
WHEREAS, Thousands of advocates, caregivers, consumers and profes-
sionals work tirelessly to raise awareness, reduce stigma, educate New
Yorkers and influence public policy such that mental health services are
readily available and accessible, and the state's capacity to prevent
the tragedy of suicide among its populous is strengthened; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2013 as
Suicide Prevention Month in New York State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York, and the New York State Chapters of the American Foundation for
Suicide Prevention.