Backup Documents 09/10/2019 Item # 4CPROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, suicide is recognized as a significant public health problem and a
countywide issue that can affect anyone regardless of age, gender,
race, orientation, income level, religion, or background; and,
WHEREAS, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in
2017 one person died by suicide every 12 minutes in the US,
including 3,187 Floridians and 57 Collier County residents, making
suicide the eighth leading cause of death for Floridians and the
second leading cause of death among 15 -34 -year-olds; and,
WHEREAS, the Collier County Mental Illness and Addiction Advisory Committee
was formed in June 2018 in part to help prevent suicide and its
devastating impact on families and communities, recognizing that
information, education, treatment, and resources are essential to
preventing further loss of life to suicide; and,
WHEREAS, every member of our community should understand that throughout
life's struggles we all need the occasional reminder that we are
important to the lives around us and that there is supportive help
to get us through our dark days; and,
WHEREAS, a simple phone call, message, handshake, or hug can go a long way
towards helping someone realize that suicide is not the answer, so
everyone is encouraged to take the time to check in with family,
friends, and neighbors on a regular basis to let them know how
much they are appreciated for their existence; and,
WHEREAS, September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, with a
goal of encouraging open discussions to help erase the stigma
around suicide and to direct those in need to support services.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of
Collier County, Florida, that September be designated as
SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH IN COLLIER COUNTY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 10th Day of September 2019.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
L. MCDANIEL, JP/., CHAIRMAN