President Bush Signs Senator Gordon Smith's Youth Suicide Prevention Law
by Kevin Caruso
October 22, 2004
President George W.Bush signed the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act on October 21, 2004, turning the bill into law.
The bill was introduced by Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon not long after his 21-year-old son, Garrett, died by suicide.
"Our hearts are full this morning when we think of our son and our brother," said Senator Smith after the signing. "We are very grateful that in his name tens of thousands of young Americans whose names we'll never know are likely to be saved."
"We'll never be able to bring this wonderful son back, but I think we will be able to save thousands and thousands of others," added Sharon, Senator Smith's wife.
The Smiths' children, Brittany, 24, and Morgan, 15, were also in attendance.
The measure provides $82 million in grants to colleges, universities, and American Indian organizations for the development of suicide prevention programs.
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Garrett Smith was suffering from depression, and untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.
If you think that you may be suffering from depression, please make appointments with a doctor and a therapist as
soon as possible so you may be evaluated and treated.
If you or someone you know is suicidal, please go to the Home Page of this website for immediate help.
Thank you.
I love you.
Take care,
Kevin Caruso
