LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
declare November 21, 2009, as Survivors of Suicide Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Accordingly, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to declare Saturday, November 21,
2009, as Survivors of Suicide Day in the State of New York, in conjunc-
tion with National Survivors of Suicide Day; and
WHEREAS, The fight against suicide requires the compassion and support
of each and every citizen of our State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, National Survivors of Suicide Day is a day of healing for
those who have lost someone to suicide; it was created by a United
States Resolution in 1999 through the efforts of Senator Harry Reid of
Nevada, who lost his father to suicide; and
WHEREAS, Every year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
(AFSP) sponsors an event to provide an opportunity for the survivor
community to come together for support, healing, information and empow-
erment; and
WHEREAS, This year is the 11th Annual National Survivors of Suicide
Day, a day of healing for survivors of suicide loss; on this day, simul-
taneous conferences for survivors of suicide loss will take place
throughout all of the United States as well as internationally; and
WHEREAS, This unique network of healing conferences helps survivors
connect with others who have survived the tragedy of suicide loss, and
express and understand the powerful emotions they experience; and
WHEREAS, Each conference site is organized locally, but they are all
connected in spirit as participants across the globe watch a special
90-minute AFSP broadcast together on that day; many conference sites
plan their own local programs around the broadcast, including panels and
breakout groups, all aimed at helping survivors heal; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing that the internal signs of depression and loneli-
ness are often very difficult to detect, this Legislative Body is moved
to commend and support the efforts of all individuals who are engaged in
the proactive fight to save lives through suicide prevention programs;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to declare November 21, 2009, as
Survivors of Suicide Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York; and the Capital Region American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.