September 4-10, 2022: Suicide Prevention Week

WHEREAS, in 2020, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death for individuals 10–44 years of age; and,

WHEREAS, in 2020, Michigan had higher rates of suicide among persons 20⎼29, 35–39, 45–64, 75–79, and 85+ years of age compared to the nation as a whole; and,

WHEREAS, in 2020, the highest suicide rate in the state was among older age adults ages 85+ years; and,

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

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

WHEREAS, the Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission has been established to examine causes and solutions to the rising rates of suicide in the state; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan’s federally funded Transforming Youth Suicide Prevention Program and Preventing Suicide in Michigan Men Program are committed to lowering the suicide rate among youth, young adults and adult men by creating true, sustainable change in both state and local systems; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan can reduce its suicide rate by employing best practices, supporting 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 4-10, 2022, 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.