HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2018.07.19 - 23678MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #18277
BY: Commissioners Helaine Zack, District #18; Bill Dwyer, District #14; Tom Berman, District #5; Marcia
Gershenson, District #13; Hugh Crawford, District #9; Eileen KowaII, District #6; Janet Jackson, District
#21; Nancy Quarles, District #17; David Bowman, District #10; Michael Spisz, District #3; Doug Tietz,
District #11; and Thomas Middleton, District #4
IN RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — DESIGNATION OF SEPTEMBER 2018 AS SUICIDE
PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH IN OAKLAND COUNTY
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS September is "Suicide Prevention Awareness Month" and recent data from the American
Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that approximately 123 individuals commit suicide every day;
and
WHEREAS the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that suicide in the U.S.
is the 10th leading cause of death among adults, the 2n° leading cause of death for children ages 10-14
and the 2 nd leading cause of death among teen and young adults ages 15-24; and
WHEREAS suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age,
gender or background; and
WHEREAS more than 90% of children who die by suicide have a mental health condition; and
WHEREAS each day an estimated 18-22 veterans die by suicide according to the U.S. Department of
Veteran Affairs Mental Health Services Suicide Prevention Program; and
WHEREAS people who have attempted suicide and lived to tell about it, indicate that their primary goal
was not to end their life, but to end their pain; and
WHEREAS according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, each year more than 41,000 individuals
die by suicide, leaving their family and friends behind to navigate the tragedy of their loss; and
WHEREAS suicide severely impacts the families and friends who often live with extreme shame and guilt
over not having prevented the death of a loved one; and
WHEREAS suicide is often related to serious depression, substance use disorders, and other mental
health conditions and a person who is considering suicide may exhibit behavioral warning signs; and
WHEREAS all Americans can take part in promoting mental well-being and preventing suicide by learning
to recognize the signs of suicide as it may avert a tragedy; and
WHEREAS we must remind our loved ones and society that seeking treatment is not a sign of weakness
it is a sign of strength; and
WHEREAS suicide prevention is the responsibility of all people and understanding the issues concerning
suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and
change the conversation around suicide.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners designates
September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Oakland County and encourages all in need to
seek the care and treatment necessary for a long and healthy life.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners calls upon our citizens,
government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools to increase the awareness
of suicide prevention and the access to quality mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention
services.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the County of Oakland is directed to submit a copy of
this resolution to the Oakland Community Health Network, Oakland County School Administration and
the Oakland County Health and Human Services Department.
Chairperson, I move the adoption of the foregoing resolution.
Commissioner Bill Dwyer
District #14
Commissioner Marc . Gershenson
District #13
Commissioner Hughawfd-
District #9,_
Commissioner 6v'rr.r‘wman
District #10
etf—rez-et
( Commissioner Eileen Kow I ,
District #6
COrkmu:ssioner Thomas Middleton A stric0#4
Commissioner Cro4 Tietz
District #11
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Commissioner Commissioner
District # District #
Commissioner Commissioner
District # District #
Commissioner Commissioner
District # District #
Commissioner Commissioner
District # District #
Commissioner Commissioner
District # District #
Commissioner Commissioner
District # District #
Resolution #18277 July 19, 2018
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the General Government Committee. There were no
objections.