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Special recognition of September 2024 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which was started to raise awareness, spread resources and create an open dialogue about mental health; and
WHEREAS, nationwide suicide rates have increased approximately 36% from 2000-2022, with suicide being responsible for over 49,000 deaths in 2022; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, the number of people who thought about or attempted suicide increased, with an estimated 13.2 million American adults seriously contemplating suicide, while 3.8 million people planned a suicide attempt and 1.6 million attempted suicides; and
WHEREAS, over 600 children die by gun suicide each year in the U.S., which is one of the many reasons the Lake County Board supports safe gun storage, as data shows states with laws reducing children’s access to unsecured guns saw an 8% decrease in overall suicide and an 11% decrease in firearm suicide rates; and
WHEREAS, suicide claimed the lives of 83 Lake County residents in 2023, an increase of five lives from the previous year, with a significant increase of women and residents between the ages of 71-80; and
WHEREAS, suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10 to 14, and in Lake County, one of the most widely used strategies to prevent youth suicide is school-based “gatekeeper training”, where teachers, school staff and administrators are trained to recognize warning signs and assist with referring students to a mental health professional; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Health Department provides Mental Health First Aid training classes that teach residents how to support someone who is developing or experiencing a mental health crisis; and
WHEREAS, suicide is preventable with a comprehensive public health approach, and Lake County has many existing businesses, non-profit organizations, agencies, healthcare providers and state, local and federal governments currently investing in mental and behavioral health services; and
WHEREAS, more investment in suicide prevention, education and research will prevent the untimely deaths of thousands of Americans each year, including Lake County residents; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The County’s Strategic Plan identifies healthy and inclusive communities as a priority to increase access to physical and mental health care for all Lake County residents. Those who struggle with suicidal thoughts are encouraged to call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on September 10, 2024.