Executive Order
AN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN MAINE’S
YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS
33 FY 04/05
February 18, 2005
WHEREAS, the health and safety of Maine’s young people is of utmost
importance to the health of our state; and
WHEREAS, suicide is the second leading cause of death for Maine’s
young people aged 15-24, taking a total of 115 young lives from 1998-2002,
an average of 23 each year; and
WHEREAS, the suicide rate among Maine youth is 50% above the national
average, the eighth highest in the country and the highest in New England;
and
WHEREAS, every child’s death is a tragedy and suicide claims more
young people’s lives than homicide, cancer, heart disease, AIDS
and birth defects combined; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that for every young life claimed by suicide
there are up to 100 non-fatal suicide attempts by youth; and
WHEREAS, in any given high school classroom, it is likely that there
are two female and one male student who are actually contemplating taking
their lives; and
WHEREAS, with advanced planning, training and education, school personnel
and students can play a significant role in identifying and assisting
suicidal students; and
WHEREAS, increasing public awareness of suicide warning signs and how
to recognize and respond effectively to suicidal behavior can save lives;
and
WHEREAS, the loss of a friend or loved one to suicide is one of the
most devastating events that can be suffered by Maine families and communities;
and
WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon State government to provide leadership
as well as resources to address preventable health problems;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John E. Baldacci, Governor of the State of Maine,
do hereby declare that Maine’s youth suicide prevention efforts
be strengthened, and by the authority vested in me, do hereby order that:
1. The Commissioners of the agencies appointed to the Governor’s
Children’s Cabinet shall:
- Assign specific staff persons to participate in a strategic
planning process in order to:
- update and revise the statewide Maine Youth Suicide Prevention
Program (MYSPP) implementation plan, which shall include roles
and responsibilities for each Department represented on the Children’s
Cabinet;
- outline strategies to improve the quality and accessibility
of data pertaining to suicide and self-injury, within the revised
implementation plan;
- submit the revised MYSPP statewide implementation
plan to the Office of the Governor by August 31, 2005; and
- assess
and propose regulatory or legislative actions that are likely
to contribute to the reduction of youth suicide and suicide attempts.
• Identify and seek financial resources to support the activities
of the revised statewide MYSPP plan priorities.
2. The Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health shall
continue to provide leadership to the MYSPP in collaboration with the
agencies that participate in the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet.
3. These agencies shall form partnerships with members of the private
sector including service providers, suicide survivors and youth organizations
to strengthen Maine’s efforts to prevent youth suicide.
Implementation Costs:
The costs for implementing the tasks included in this Executive Order
shall be absorbed by the participating agencies.
Effective Date:
The effective date of this Executive Order is February 18, 2005.
John E. Baldacci, Governor
