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PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, 2016, AS Suicide Awareness Month WHEREAS, New Horizons Mental Health, Primary Care, and Substance Abuse of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee seek to increase awareness, encourage discussion, and educate the public about actions regarding mental health matters such as suicide, recognizing that greater awareness is critical to achieving "Zero Suicide" making suicide a "never event"; and, WHEREAS, 320 people having died by suicide on the Treasure Coast in the past four years, nine of them were teenagers, and, in fact, suicide is the leading cause of death for young people age 14-24 in Florida. South Florida has more suicides than murders and traffic fatalities combined, yet the stigma prevents open discourse and problem solving; and, WHEREAS, there is a significant stigma attached to the topic of suicide. Research shows that talking about suicide and encouraging people to get help does not increase the risk of suicide, rather addressing concerns, engaging the community, and educating the public decreases suicide risk factors such as social isolation; and, WHEREAS, September is National Suicide Awareness Month and is recognized in cities, counties, and states across America. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA that the month of September, 2016, be designated as Suicide Awareness Month in Indian River County, and the Board encourages all citizens to observe this month by re-educating themselves about risk factors and resources, speaking up when someone they know is struggling, offering support and caring words to those around them, and reaffirming the importance of working together to keep the community healthy. Adopted this 13th day of September, 2016 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA Bob Solari, Chairman J sep . Flescher, Vice Chairman Wey . Davi 7l �> x'68, Peter D an Tim rc