HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation i
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SELECT BOARD OFFICE
PROCLAMATION
September Is known globally as Suicide Prevention Month and throughout the month rnentalhea th advocates,
prevention organizations, survivors,allies,and community members unite to promote suicide prevention
awareness and
Whereas: National Suicide Prevention Week is held the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention
Day which is observed on September 10 and overal 1,these observances are intended to promote awareness,
and highlight ht resources available in our communities and share stories-and
Whereas: the simple,goals are to learn hove to help those around us and how to tally about suicide without increasing the
risk of harm;and
Whereas. suicide can affect anyone regardless of age, ability, gender, race, sexual orientation, income level,religion or
background; and it is overall the 1 o 'leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause
of death for people ages 10- 4 and.
Whereas: people in the United States die by suicide at a rate of about one death every l l minutes resulting in more
than 49,00101 deaths by suicide each year;and
Whereas: suicide is preventable and we all have a role to play in order to save lives and create healthy and strong
individuals, families,and communities and
Whereas.- Many factors can increase the risk for suicide. For example,people who have experienced violence,including
child abuse,bullying, and/or sexual violence, are at a higher risk of suicide. Youth who are lesbian,gay,or
bisexual also have higher rates of suicidal ideation a.n.d behavior compared to their peers who identify as
straight;and
Whereas.- we encourage all residents to tale the time to inquire as to the wellbeing of their family,friends,and neighbors
during this month and to genuinely convey their appreciation for their existence by any gesture they deem
appropriate.
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, THE SELECT BOARD of the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim the month of
September to be annually recognized as
Suicide Prevention Month
in the Town of Lexington as we work together to save lives in our community.
1N WITNESS WHEREOF, we have set our hands and caused the seal of Lexington to be affixed herewith on the 21 t of,August
2023.
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DOUGLAS CA'`ATE JILL I. 1