2015 Senate Joint Resolution 50
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month.
Whereas, suicide is a national health crisis, with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that, in 2013, 41,149 Americans took their own lives, making suicide the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and underscoring that approximately every 15 minutes we lose a life to this crisis; and
Whereas, the effect of a single suicide is devastating, resulting in anguish and sadness on the part of all those who knew the victim, and this damage can consume a community, forever draining that community of its vitality, innocence, and happiness; and
Whereas, suicide affects all races, genders, and age groups, with an estimated quarter million people each year that are suicide survivors, and there are numerous factors such as depression, abuse, alcohol or drug dependency, bullying, and other mental illnesses that contribute to suicide; and
Whereas, education and awareness are crucial tools in the fight to prevent suicides and may serve to create a deliberative forum in which persons may seek help; and
Whereas, the legislature has an opportunity to lead and offer openness as well as understanding about the causes, effects, and circumstances of those contemplating self-harm; and
Whereas, September is designated as National Suicide Prevention Month to spread knowledge and awareness and provide an opportunity for those who have lost a loved one to suicide or someone who has contemplated suicide themselves to share their experiences; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature hereby proclaims September as National Suicide Prevention Month in Wisconsin.
