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Special recognition proclaiming September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which helps promote resources and awareness around the issues of suicide prevention and how you can help others who may be considering suicide; and
WHEREAS, suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10 to 34 and the fourth leading cause of death for ages 35 to 54, and is too often the result of mental health conditions that affect people when they are most vulnerable; and
WHEREAS, every year across the U.S., suicide claims the lives of over 48,000 people, while approximately one million people attempt suicide, and 90 percent of those who died by suicide had a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death; and
WHEREAS, studies conducted by the Lake County Health Department, with the support of the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, estimated there are 18,000 persons with mental and behavioral health disorders living in Lake County; and
WHEREAS, each year, approximately 60 individuals in Lake County die by suicide; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for a strong community action for suicide prevention and a coordinated crisis intervention system because, with treatment and appropriate care, people living with mental illness can achieve optimal physical and mental health as well as social and emotional well-being; and
WHEREAS, there are many existing businesses, non-profit organizations, agencies, healthcare providers, and governments currently investing in mental and behavioral health services in Lake County; and
WHEREAS, more investment in suicide prevention, education, and research will prevent the untimely deaths of thousands of Americans, including Lake County residents, each year.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, by the Lake County Board, that September be r...
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