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Proclamation September - Suicide Prevention Month

Select Board 9-12-2022
Posted on: September 14, 2022 - 4:59pm
suicide prevention proclamation

National Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation  

WHEREAS, September is known as Suicide Prevention Month, a time in which mental health advocates, individuals, prevention organizations, survivors, allies and communities around the country unite to promote suicide prevention awareness; and

WHEREAS, the past year has presented our communities with challenges and led to transitions that, expected or unexpected, welcomed or not, can be unsettling, disorienting, and stressful; and

WHEREAS, the pandemic has changed our fabric of life, and major life changes are environmental risk factors for suicide; and

WHEREAS, we know that connecting, working with, and supporting one another can help prepare us for the future; and

WHEREAS, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death among adults, and the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 20 and 34 in the US; and

WHEREAS, nearly 46,000 people died by suicide across the United States in 2020, with an average of 130 suicides completed daily: and

WHEREAS, each suicide directly impacts a minimum of 100 additional people, including family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and community members: and

WHEREAS, local organizations like the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition encourage all residents to take the time to understand the importance of mental health education and recognize that taking care of ourselves and others includes taking care of mental health; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Mashpee publicly places its full support behind those who work in the fields of mental health, education, and law enforcement;

WHEREAS, all Mashpee residents are urged to play a role in suicide prevention and promote mental health and wellness as we strive towards reducing suicides; and

WHEREAS, September is recognized across the United States as Suicide Prevention Month and provides the opportunity to educate our community about the warning signs for suicide and how to reach out and connect to those experiencing an emotional crisis;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Mashpee Board of Selectmen do hereby proclaim the month of September 2022, as National Suicide Prevention Month in the Town of Mashpee.