Proclamation September 14th, 2021 SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH

PROCLAMATION

SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH

WHEREAS, the month of September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and World Suicide Prevention Day is observed each year on September l0th; and

WHEREAS, these observances are united in raising awareness that prevention is possible; treatment is effective; and people do recover; and

WHEREAS, suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, income level, religion or background; and

WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control, each year more than 48,000 people die by suicide; and according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for people l0-34 years of age, the 4th leading cause for those 35-54 years of age, and the 8th leading cause among people 55-64 years of age; and

WHEREAS, each and every suicide directly impacts a minimum of 100 individuals, including family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and community members; and

WHEREAS, the effects of the loss of these lives severely impacts smaller, rural communities; and

WHEREAS, Montezuma County encourages all citizens to do their part by taking a free Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) gatekeeper training that are offered in our community to learn how to ask if someone they know is considering suicide and how to connect them with help; and

WHEREAS, Montezuma County also encourages all citizens to keep on hand the Colorado Crisis Services number which is 1-844493-8255, and the local Axis Care Hotline number which is 970-247’5245, in the event that they or someone they care about is experiencing a crisis so that they may be connected with trained crisis professionals.

NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners, does hereby proclaim the month of September 2021, as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Montezuma County. Dated this l4th day of September, 2021