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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
WHEREAS, National Suicide Prevention month takes place on September; and
WHEREAS, World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO); and
WHEREAS, suicide is a major public health problem with far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences; and
WHEREAS, suicides and suicide attempts have a ripple effect that impacts not only individuals but also families, communities, and societies; and
WHEREAS, associated risk factors for suicide can consist of job or financial loss, trauma or abuse, mental and substance use disorders, and barriers to accessing health care; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation by increasing the prevalence of mental health conditions and disrupting essential mental health services; and
WHEREAS, suicide prevention measures include restricting access to means for suicide (e.g. firearms, pesticides, etc.), mental health and alcohol reduction policies, and promoting responsible media reporting on suicide; and
WHEREAS, National Suicide Prevention month serves as a reminder that suicide prevention is a public health priority and urgent action is required to make sure suicide mortality rates are reduced; and
WHEREAS, according to WHO, it is estimated that there are currently more than 700,000 suicides per year worldwide, and we know that each suicide profoundly affects many more people; and
WHEREAS, according to the Center of Disease Control & Prevention, suicide deaths further increased in 2022, rising from 48,183 deaths in 2021 to an estimated 49,449 deaths in 2022, an increase of approximately 2.6%; and
WHEREAS, on July 16, 2022, the federally mandated crisis number, 988, became available to all landline and cell phone users, providing a single three-digit number to access a network of over 200 local and state-funded crisis centers; and
WHEREAS, “Creating Hope Through Action” is the triennial theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021-2023.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes the month of September as National Suicide Awareness Month.
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