Recognizing that prevention of suicide is a compelling national priority.

Whereas 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;

Whereas suicide is the fastest growing cause of death among youths and the second leading cause of death among college students;

Whereas suicide kills youths six to nine times more often than homicide;

Whereas research shows that 95 percent of all suicides are preventable;

Whereas research shows that the prevention of suicide must be recognized as a national priority;

Whereas community awareness and education will encourage the development of strategies to prevent suicide;

Whereas during the 105th Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives unanimously agreed to resolutions recognizing suicide as a national problem and declaring suicide prevention programs to be a national priority (S. Res. 84, 105th Congress, agreed to May 6, 1997, and H. Res. 212, 105th Congress, agreed to October 9, 1998);

Whereas 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; and

Whereas the week beginning September 19, 2004, should be recognized as Yellow Ribbon Suicide Awareness and Prevention Week: Now, therefore, be it