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Special recognition of September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which was created to raise awareness, spread resources, and begin an open dialogue about mental health; and
WHEREAS, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with more than 48,000 deaths annually, equating to one death every 11 minutes; and
WHEREAS, 14.3 million American adults seriously contemplate suicide each year, with 4.6 million people planning a suicide attempt, and 2.2 million attempting suicide; and
WHEREAS, firearms remain the most common method of suicide, which underscores the need for safe gun storage practices and policies to prevent firearm-related suicide; and
WHEREAS, suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals between the ages of 10 to 14, showing how important focused youth mental health resources and intervention are; and
WHEREAS, schools in Lake County have implemented “gatekeeper training” for teachers, staff, and administrators, equipping them with the knowledge to recognize warning signs and refer students to mental health professionals for support; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Health Department offers Mental Health First Aid training classes that teach residents how to support individuals developing or experiencing a mental health crisis; and
WHEREAS, increased investment in suicide prevention, education, and research will limit the untimely deaths of thousands of individuals across the nation and in Lake County, fostering a healthier, more resilient community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; and
BE IT FURTHER RECOGNIZED, that the County’s Strategic Plan identifies and prioritizes investments in behavioral health programs to support healthy and inclusive communities for the physical and mental health care of all Lake County residents; and
BE IT FURTHER RECOGNIZED, that individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health challenges, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or anyone who simply needs someone to talk to are encouraged to call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on September 8, 2026.