Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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September 08, 2024
WHEREAS, in 2022, the national suicide rate was 14.2 per 100,000 and the Michigan suicide rate was 14.6 per 100,000, with 1,494 Michigan residents dying by suicide; and,
WHEREAS, in 2022, Michigan firearm suicides accounted for 56.2% of suicide deaths; and,
WHEREAS, in 2022, suicide was the second leading cause of death for Michigan residents ages 15 to 34; 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, Michigan has established the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline coverage statewide to provide an easy-to-remember way for people experiencing behavioral health-related distress to access a strengthened and expanded network of crisis call centers; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and local suicide prevention organizations and coalitions have been working tirelessly to prevent suicide and provide support to residents impacted by a suicide death in Michigan; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission has been established to examine causes and solutions, as well as provide recommendations to address 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 8–14, 2024, 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.