On September 23, the Senate approved, by unanimous consent, a resolution (S. Con. Res. 119) recognizing that the prevention of suicide is a compelling national priority. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) sponsored the resolution.
According to the resolution, “Suicide is one of the most disruptive and tragic events a family and a community can experience, and it occurs at a national rate of 30,000 suicides annually.” The resolution states that suicide is the fastest growing cause of death among youth and the second leading cause of death among college students, and research shows that 95 percent of all suicides are preventable. The resolution notes that the yellow ribbon “is rapidly becoming recognized internationally as the symbol for the awareness and prevention of suicide, and it is recognized and used by suicide prevention groups, crisis centers, schools, churches, youth centers, hospitals, counselors, teachers, parents, and especially youth themselves.” Finally, the resolution declares that the week beginning on September 19, 2004, should be recognized as “Yellow Ribbon Suicide Awareness and Prevention Week.”
