STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, New Yorkers have a common and fervent desire to build a better world and are committed to fostering awareness of those elements that serve to unite people through bridges of understanding, compassion and hope for individuals of all races, nationalities, religions, genders and sexual orientations;  and

Whereas, suicide is one of the top three causes of death among young people (15 to 24-year-olds) with only accidents and homicides occurring more frequently as causes of death among young people;  and

Whereas, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students;  and

Whereas, for every completed suicide by youth, it is estimated that 100 to 200 attempts are made;  and

Whereas, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers;  and

Whereas, LGBTQ youth who come from a rejecting family are up to nine times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers;  and

Whereas, The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth, and is committed to providing LGBTQ youth in the Empire State and across the country with lifesaving suicide prevention programs and resources;  and

Whereas, September 7-13, 2008 is designated as National Suicide Prevention Week by the American Association of Suicidology, and September 10, 2008 is designated as World Suicide Prevention Day by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the World Federation for Mental Health;  these observances address an issue of a critically important and serious nature, and all New Yorkers join to recognize the worthy goals of The Trevor Project as it strives to raise awareness of the high incidence of suicide among LGBTQ youth and further develop its strong network of support for LGBTQ youth in crisis, helping them move forward with confidence through its programs of compassion, guidance and healing offered within a positive and constructive context;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim September 10, 2008 as

The Trevor Project Day

in the Empire State.

G i v e nunder my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this fourth day of September in the year two thousand eight.

David A. Paterson
Governor

Charles O'Byrne
Secretary to the Governor