Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 11–Senator O’Connell

FILE NUMBER........

Whereas, Suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in the United

States and ranks third in young persons between the ages of 15 and 24

years; and

Whereas, Nationally, 31,000 lives are lost to suicide each year and an

estimated 750,000 suicides are attempted; and

Whereas, Suicide annually causes over 200,000 family members

nationwide, including many Nevadans, to mourn a tragic death from

suicide; and

Whereas, The rate of suicides per 100,000 persons has remained

relatively stable over the past 40 years for the general population, but that

rate has nearly tripled for young persons and is the highest ever for adults

over the age of 65 years; and

Whereas, The stigma associated with mental illness often discourages

persons at risk of committing suicide from seeking lifesaving help; and

Whereas, The stigma associated with suicide seriously inhibits

surviving family members from regaining meaningful lives; and

Whereas, Death from suicide in the State of Nevada imposes a

considerable economic burden in terms of potential years of life lost,

medical costs incurred and workdays lost by mourners; and

Whereas, Suicide is a complex, multifaceted biological, sociological,

psychological and societal problem; and

Whereas, Because many deaths from suicides are preventable, there is

an urgent need for the development of more effective suicide prevention

programs; and

Whereas, Opportunities for the prevention of suicide continue to

increase because of advances in clinical research, treatments for mental

disorders, neuroscience and the development of community-based

initiatives that await evaluation; and

Whereas, Efforts to prevent suicide should be encouraged to the

maximum extent possible; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly

Concurring, That the members of the Legislature of the State of Nevada

do hereby recognize suicide as a serious problem in this state and declare

the prevention of suicide to be a state priority; and be it further

Resolved, That this legislative body acknowledges that no single

suicide prevention program or effort is appropriate for all populations or

communities and therefore encourages community-based initiatives

dedicated to:

1. Preventing suicide;

2. Responding to persons at risk for suicide, including those persons

who have already attempted suicide;

3. Promoting safe and effective treatment for persons at risk for

suicide; and

4. Supporting persons who have lost someone to suicide; and be it

further

Resolved, That the Nevada Legislature encourages the development

and promotion of accessible and affordable mental health services that

would enable persons at risk for suicide to obtain such services without fear

of any stigma.

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