HLS 13RS-85 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2013
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 15
BY REPRESENTATIVE HENRY BURNS
HEALTH/DHH: Requests a study of the most effective means by which to reduce
Louisiana's rate of suicide
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To authorize and request the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the most effective2
means by which to reduce the rate of suicide in Louisiana and to report its findings3
to the legislative committees on health and welfare.4
WHEREAS, a suicide is a tragic event which brings profound sorrow and a sense of5
great loss to the loved ones of the person whose life was ended too soon; and6
WHEREAS, while suicide occurs among persons of all ages, ethnic backgrounds,7
and income levels, it is a particular problem among youth in Louisiana, with suicide ranking8
as the third-leading cause of death for young people in this state; and9
WHEREAS, suicides are sometimes preceded by warning signs exhibited through10
a person's behavior, the detection of which can lead to prevention of a suicide; and11
WHEREAS, the Legislature of Louisiana finds that identifying and putting into12
practice more effective means of suicide prevention is an important public health priority for13
this state; and14
WHEREAS, due to the abundance of specialized expertise among staff in its office15
of behavioral health, the Department of Health and Hospitals is uniquely qualified to lead16
a study effort which can inform policymakers on ways in which this state may mitigate the17
tragic problem of suicide.18 HLS 13RS-85 ORIGINALHCR NO. 15
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THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby1
authorize and request the Department of Health and Hospitals to study the most effective2
means by which to reduce the rate of suicide in Louisiana.3
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in conducting the study, the department may4
engage, collaborate with, and obtain information and perspective from stakeholder groups5
with an interest in suicide prevention.6
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department shall provide the findings of this7
study in the form of a report to the House Committee on Health and Welfare and the Senate8
Committee on Health and Welfare on or before February 1, 2014.9
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution and its resulting study effort be10
dedicated to the memory of the late Matt Bison of Haughton, Louisiana, and to all families11
of this state who struggle each day to cope with a loved one's suicide.12
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted13
to the family of Matt Bison and to the secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals.14
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Henry Burns HCR No. 15
Authorizes and requests DHH to study the most effective means by which to reduce the rate
of suicide in La. and to report its findings to the legislative committees on health and welfare
on or before Feb. 1, 2014.