HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 September Suicide AwarenessCOLUMBIALO) HEIGHTS
PROCLAMATION
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: September 2023
WHEREAS, September is known around the United States as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
and is intended to help promote awareness surrounding each of the Suicide Prevention resources available to
us and our community. The simple goal is to learn how to help those around us and how to talk about suicide
without increasing the risk of harm; 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 (A.F.S.P.), suicide is the second
leading cause of death among individuals between the ages 10 and 34 with more than 48,000
people dying by suicide annually in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights is no different than any other community in the country, but
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 and national organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness
(NAMI), and Mental Health responders are 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 speak on; 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, we encourage 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, Amdda Marquez Simula, Mayor of Columbia Heights, do hereby
proclaim the month of September, 2023 to be National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in the City of
Columbia Heights, County of Anoka, State of Minnesota, U.S.A
�,I r
Am da Marquez Simula, Mayor
August 28, 2023