News Flash

PROCLAMATION from Fred Camillo, First Selectman 

WHEREAS, Suicide remains the 10^th leading cause of death in the United States and the 2^nd leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 to 34; and

WHEREAS, In 2019 over 47,500 people died by suicide in the United States and 435 people died by suicide in Connecticut where it is the 11^th leading cause of death (Centers for Disease Control). Over 90% of the people who die by suicide have a diagnosable and treatable mental health condition, although often that condition is not recognized or treated; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that in 2019, there were over 1.3 million suicide attempts; and

WHEREAS, Organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, through research, education, advocacy and resources for those who have lost someone to suicide or who struggle, and urge that we:

1. Recognize suicide as a preventable national and state public health problem and declare suicide prevention to be a priority.
2. Acknowledge that no single suicide prevention program or effort will be appropriate for all populations or communities.
3. Address the disparity in access to mental healthcare for underrepresented groups, and advocate for ending these disparities.
4. Fund new suicide research to support culturally informed and evidence-based mental health care and services.
5. Encourage initiatives based on the goals contained in the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the State of Connecticut Suicide Prevention PLAN 2025.
6. Promote awareness that there is no single cause for suicide, and that suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed the coping abilities of someone struggling with a mental health condition.
7. Develop and implement strategies to improve and increase access to quality mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention services and programs.

NOW, THEREFORE, l, Fred Camillo, FIRST SELECTMAN OF THE TOWN OF GREENWICH, do
hereby proclaim September 5-11, 2021 as
National Suicide Prevention Week

in the Town of Greenwich to help recognize suicide as a national and statewide public health problem, and suicide prevention as a national and statewide responsibility.