Assembly Resolution No. 724

BY: M. of A. Griffin

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
September 7-13, 2025, as Suicide Prevention Week in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 7-13, 2025, as Suicide
Prevention Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of World Suicide Prevention Day; and

WHEREAS, Suicide Prevention Week is an annual week-long campaign in
the United States to inform and engage health professionals and the
general public about suicide prevention and warning signs of suicide;
and

WHEREAS, By drawing attention to the problem of suicide in the
United States, the campaign also strives to reduce the stigma
surrounding the topic, as well as to encourage the pursuit of mental
health assistance and support people who have attempted suicide; and

WHEREAS, World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10th
each year to promote worldwide action to prevent suicides; various
events and activities are held during this occasion to raise awareness
about suicide, mental illnesses associated with suicide, and suicide
prevention; and

WHEREAS, Established in 2003, World Suicide Prevention Day is an
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) initiative
co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) which aims to raise
awareness that suicide is preventable, improve education about suicide,
spread information about suicide awareness and decrease stigmatization
regarding suicide; and

WHEREAS, WHO and IASP work with governments and other partners to
ensure that suicide is no longer stigmatized, criminalized or penalized;
and

WHEREAS, According to WHO, nearly 3,000 people on average commit
suicide daily; furthermore, for every person who completes a suicide, 20
or more may attempt to end their lives; and

WHEREAS, Suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death
which is influenced by psycho-social, cultural and environmental risk
factors that can be prevented through initiatives which address these
main risk factors; and

WHEREAS, Approximately one million people die each year by suicide;
there is strong evidence indicating that adequate prevention can reduce
these astounding rates; and

WHEREAS, The stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness too often
impedes an individual's ability to seek treatment, share their personal
story, grieve appropriately for the loss of a loved one, and move
through a journey of healing and recovery; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the
local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 7-13, 2025, as
Suicide Prevention Week in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.