WHEREAS, Idaho is consistently among the top 10 states in number of completed suicides per capita; and

        WHEREAS, in 2005, Idaho had the 7th highest suicide rates in the country, 45 percent higher than the national average; and

        WHEREAS, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death of Idahoans aged 15-34; and

        WHEREAS, in 2006, 218 Idahoans died by suicide and each suicide leaves at least 10 family members and friends to endure the devastation and trauma; and

        WHEREAS, suicide is a critical and preventable public health problem; and

        WHEREAS, research demonstrates that increased public awareness of the warning signs of suicide and awareness of appropriate and effective intervention strategies can reduce suicide deaths;

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim the week of September 7, 2008, to be

SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK

in Idaho

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at Boise, Idaho, on this 28th day of August in the year of our Lord two-thousand and eight and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-third and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred nineteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE