September 26, 2020: Day of Hope

WHEREAS, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 to 34; and,

 

WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control, over 48,000 people die by suicide in the United States each year; and,

 

WHEREAS, suicide is the only leading cause of death in the United States that has increased or remained the same every year for the past decade; and,

 

WHEREAS, it is estimated that there were over 1.4 million suicide attempts in 2018 in the United States; and,

 

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

 

WHEREAS, organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention envision a world without suicide,  are dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those who have lost someone or who personally struggle through research, education, advocacy, and resources, 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. Encourage initiatives based on the goals contained in the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the State Suicide Prevention Plan.
4. Promote awareness that there is no single cause for suicide, and that suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed current coping abilities of someone living with a mental health condition.
5. Develop and implement strategies to increase access to quality mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention services; and,

 

WHEREAS, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has brought many in the state of Michigan together in one united, collective voice for change, promoting statewide awareness for suicide prevention;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 26, 2020, as Day of Hope in Michigan.