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PROCLAMATION
SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH
SEPTEMBER 2022
WHEREAS, suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, income level,
or background; and
WHEREAS, over 48,000 deaths annually are attributed to suicide; with suicide rates in Colorado ranking 6th
nationally, and 55 lives lost to suicide in Weld County during 2020; and
WHEREAS, one of the most important protective factors from suicide is having a trusted person to turn to
when feeling isolated or hopeless; a person who will not judge, dismiss, or try to fix the problem, but instead
encourage individuals to be open about their feelings and tell their stories; and
WHEREAS, suicide prevention starts with actively challenging stigma around mental health and building skills
that help us approach the topic of suicide without shame or judgement, so we can save lives; and
WHEREAS, hope exists in Weld County because of the collaborative prevention and education efforts of
North Range, Suicide Education and Support Services (SESS), Imagine Zero of Weld County, numerous
survivors, as well as local business, non-profit and faith -based community partners; and
WHEREAS, North Range Behavioral Health's Suicide Education and Support Services (SESS) program
supports those who have lost someone to suicide and provides education to Weld County residents that help
build critical suicide prevention skills; and
WHEREAS, September is recognized as National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month with the goal of
promoting awareness surrounding suicide prevention resources and support available to all in our community;
and
WHEREAS, we encourage all residents to take the time to learn how to talk about mental health; research
suicide prevention resources available nationally and throughout Weld County; check in on the wellbeing of
families, friends and neighbors; and share genuine appreciation for the people in your life by any gesture you
deem appropriate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Board of Weld County Commissioners that September
2022 be known as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month and call upon the community to increase
awareness and understanding of behavioral health and the need for appropriate and accessible services for
all citizens.
2022-2528
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