September 8 - 14, 2019: Suicide Prevention Week

WHEREAS, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in both Michigan and the nation, and the second leading cause of death among individuals ages of 10 and 34; and,

 

WHEREAS, compared to the nation as a whole, Michigan has higher rates of suicide among youths 15?19 years of age and among adults ages 30?69; and,

 

WHEREAS, in 2017, the highest suicide rates in the state were among working age adults ages 40?64 years; and,

 

WHEREAS, surviving family and friends not only suffer the trauma of losing a loved one to suicide, but are at higher risk themselves for attempting suicide; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Association for Suicide Prevention, and national suicide prevention organizations have been working tirelessly to halt the growth of suicide rates in Michigan; and,

 

WHEREAS, Michigan’s federally funded Youth Suicide Prevention Program is committed to lowering the youth and young adult suicide rate by creating true, sustainable change in both state and local systems that serve youth and young adults; and,

 

WHEREAS, Michigan can reduce its suicide rate by employing best practices, gaining community involvement, and encouraging seeking help through open, direct, and honest talk about suicide;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 8?14, 2019, as Suicide Prevention Week in Michigan and call upon our citizens and interested groups to observe the week with appropriate activities that promote awareness that there is hope—suicide is preventable and mental illness is treatable.000