Whereas, Michigan is one of the leading states of youth suicides, with at least one youth suicide every week; and,

Whereas, Suicide kills youth 3 to 6 times more than homicide and research shows that 95% of all youth suicides are preventable; and,

Whereas, The issue of suicide and how to prevent it is of extreme importance and should be recognized as an immediate need for awareness and prevention; and,

Whereas, Statistics show that awareness, education and action against suicide does save lives; and,

Whereas, The Yellow Ribbon is rapidly becoming recognized internationally as the symbol for the awareness and prevention of suicide and is recognized and used by suicide prevention groups, crisis centers, schools, churches, youth centers/hospitals, counselors, teachers, parents and especially our younger generation; and now therefore be it,