LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today adopted a resolution introduced by State Representative Dudley Spade (D-Tipton) recognizing the week of September 9, 2008 as Suicide Prevention Week in the State of Michigan.
"Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the State of Michigan," Rep. Spade said. "In 2006 alone, over 7,200 suicide attempts resulted in 1,132 deaths in Michigan. Much more can and must be done to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for emotional or mental health conditions. This major public health problem is preventable and raising awareness of the warning signs of suicide, and of appropriate and effective intervention strategies, will reduce suicide deaths and help keep our citizens safe and healthy."
Every year, suicides in Michigan result in nearly twice as many deaths as homicide and three times more than HIV/AIDS. Like the rest of the nation, the highest rates of suicide in Michigan are among those of workforce age, between 25 to 64 years old, and are primarily men. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 19 year-olds and the second leading cause of death among those enrolled in college. Completed and attempted suicides in Michigan alone have an associated economic impact of over $1.1 billion annually.