2021 Suicide Prevention Month

2021 National Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation

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 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults, and the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34 in the US; and

WHEREAS; more than 48,000 people died by suicide across the United States in 2018, with an average of 132 suicides completed daily; and

WHEREAS; Red Lodge is no different than any other community, but chooses to publicly support simply being available to one another; and

WHEREAS; each and every suicide directly impacts a minimum of 100 additional people, including family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and community members; and

WHEREAS; Red Lodge publicly places its full support behind those who work in the fields of mental health, education, and law enforcement; and

WHEREAS; organizations like our local mental health partners and members of the Carbon County Mental Health Local Advisory Council, and national organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) who serve on the front lines of a war that many still refuse to discuss, as stigma regarding suicide, mental health and substance misuse is far too prevalent; and

WHEREAS, we encourage all residents to take the time to understand the importance of mental health education and substance misuse prevention, and recognize that taking care of ourselves and others includes taking care of mental health.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City of Red Lodge, the month of September 2021 is designated as National Suicide Prevention month in the City of Red Lodge, and call we upon our citizens, public and private institutions, businesses and schools to recommit our City to increasing awareness and understanding of suicide prevention, and the need for appropriate and accessible services to assist individuals in crisis.