Dear Ms. Covington:

Thank you for sharing with me the touching story of your sister's unfortunate death and
for so eloquently expressing the effect her suicide has had on your life.  It is a credit to
your character that, despite your obvious pain, you have chosen to speak out in an effort
to bring attention to this tragic national health problem.

Recent mental health literature has focused on mental disorders, particularly depressive
illness, and substance abuse as prominent risk factors for suicide among all age groups.
An extensive body of research conducted over the past years by HHS has begun to
identify risk factors for adolescent suicide.  For adolescents, issues of impulsively and
hoplessness have come to the fore as potential risk categories.  During my tenure as
Assistant Secretary for Health and Surgeon General I plan to address mental health issues
and the importance of enhancing mental health prevention efforts, treatment, and outcomes, whenever possible.

In your letter you mentioned my participation in next years Youth Suicide Prevention
Conference.  I would be happy to consider participating once the date for the 1999
conference is determined.

Best wishes to you and your family.