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Proclamation declaring September 2020 as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Allegheny County.
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WHEREAS, September is known around the United States as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and is intended to help promote awareness; and
WHEREAS, suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, income level, religion, or background; and
WHEREAS, according to the CDC, each year more than 48,000 people die by suicide; and
WHEREAS, Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the US, and the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10‐24; and
WHEREAS, Allegheny County is no different than any other community in the country, and chooses to publicly state and place our full support behind local educators, mental health professionals, athletic coaches, pack leaders, police officers, and parents, as partners in supporting our community in simply being available to one another; and
WHEREAS, local organizations like American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Western Pennsylvania (AFSP) is on the front lines of a battle that many still refuse to discuss in public, as suicide and mental illness remain too taboo a topic to discuss; and
WHEREAS, every member of our community should understand that throughout life’s struggles we all need the occasional reminder that we are all silently fighting our own battles; and
WHEREAS, Allegheny County Council encourages all residents to take the time to inquire as to the wellbeing of their family, friends, and neighbors over the next few days and to genuinely convey their appreciation for their existence by any gesture they deem appropriate. A simple phone call, message, handshake, or hug can go a long way towards helping someone realize that suicide is not the answer;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Allegheny County Council Member Tom Duerr, do hereby declare September 2020 as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Allegheny County.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 22nd day of September 2020.