Proclamation: 2023 Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month

PROCLAMATION

Declaring September 2023 Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month

WHEREAS suicide is a complex issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, income level, or background; and

WHEREAS over 48,000 deaths annually are attributed to suicide; with suicide rates in Colorado ranking 6th nationally, and 66 lives lost to suicide in Weld County during 2022; and

WHEREAS being a trusted person to tum to when someone is feeling isolated or hopeless is one of the most important things we can do to prevent suicide; and

WHEREAS actively challenging stigma around mental health and building skills that increase the likelihood of someone feeling safe to open up without fear of shame or judgement is the first step; and

WHEREAS because of the collaborative prevention and education efforts of North Range, Suicide Education and Support Services (SESS), Imagine Zero of Weld County, numerous survivors, and community partners, hope exists in Mead; and

WHEREAS North Range Behavioral Health's Suicide Education and Support Services (SESS) program supports those who have lost someone to suicide and provides education to Mead residents that help build critical suicide prevention skills; and

WHEREAS September is recognized as National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month with the goal of promoting awareness surrounding suicide prevention resources and support available to us and our community; and

WHEREAS we encourage all residents to learn how to talk about mental health; research suicide prevention resources available nationally and throughout Weld County; check in on the wellbeing of your family, friends, and neighbors; and share genuine appreciation for the people in your life by any gesture you deem appropriate.

NOW THEREFORE, the Town of Mead Board of Trustees, do hereby proclaim September 2023 as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month in Mead, Colorado, and call upon the citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of behavioral health, and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all citizens.