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.169004.1

HOUSE MEMORIAL 61

48

TH LEGISLATURE

- STATE OF NEW MEXICO -

FIRST SESSION

, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Ray Begaye

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING MARCH 7, 2007 "SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS DAY" AT

THE HOUSE.

WHEREAS, the New Mexico suicide prevention coalition would

like to thank everyone for supporting suicide prevention

efforts in New Mexico, and, together, we are making a

difference in the lives of many in our state; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico ranks fifth in the country for all

ages and fourth in the country for youth suicides, which is

about twice the national suicide rate; and

WHEREAS, three hundred forty-seven New Mexicans died in

2005 by suicide, one person for nearly every day of the year;

and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that for every suicide there are

at least six survivors, and many more people are affected by

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.169004.1

suicide; and

WHEREAS, the governor has made youth suicide a priority

and allocated five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for

three years to increase school-based health centers' budgets

for suicide prevention efforts statewide; and

WHEREAS, the New Mexico suicide prevention coalition and

state and private agencies are working in collaboration to

spread awareness about suicide warning signs and resources, and

together we are saving lives;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that March 7, 2007

be declared "Suicide Prevention Awareness Day" at the house;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be

transmitted to the New Mexico suicide prevention coalition.

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