September 2025: Suicide Prevention Month

WHEREAS, in 2023, the national suicide rate was 14.1 per 100,000 and the Michigan suicide rate was 14.9 per 100,000, with 1,530 Michigan residents dying by suicide; and,

WHEREAS, in 2023, Michigan firearm suicides accounted for 54.8% of suicide deaths; and,

WHEREAS, in 2022, 170 Michigan veterans died by suicide, a rate of 31.9 per 100,000, demonstrating the need for targeted, veteran-specific, suicide prevention measures and programs; 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, which has answered 242, 486 calls since July of 2022; 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’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, With One Voice serves as a statewide connector, uniting coalitions, organizations, and advocates in pursuit of a shared mission – prevent suicide and increase hope and healing across the state; and,

WHEREAS, With One Voice is organizing the Michigan Suicide Prevention Training Month with the goal of training thousands of residents in evidence-based suicide prevention skills; 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, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Month 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.