National Suicide Prevention MonthlJr1arfamattan
City of Edmonds i Office of the Mayor
National Suicide Prevention Month
Whereas; September is known as "National Suicide Prevention Month," and
September 8-14 as "National Suicide Prevention Week; and
Whereas; suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race,
orientation, income level, religion, or background; and according to the
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Suicide is the loth
leading cause of death among adults, and the 2"d leading cause of death
among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34 in the United States; and
Whereas; more than 48,000 people died by suicide across the United States in 2018,
with an average of 132 suicides daily, which includes active military and
veterans accounting for 13.5% of all suicides nationally; and
Whereas; Edmonds-Woodway loth and 12th grade High School students reported a
concerning number of attempted suicides and those considering attempting
suicide in the 2018 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey; and
Whereas; residents age 65 and older comprise about 13% of the U.S. population but
account for over 18% of all suicides, with the most common cause for
elderly suicide, as for all suicides, is untreated depression; and
Whereas; each and every suicide directly impacts a minimum of 100 individuals,
including family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, health care professionals
and community members; and
Whereas; the vast majority of people who struggle with difficult circumstances,
emotional and physical pain do not go on to die by suicide and that sharing
these stories of hope and recovery can strengthen our community; and
Whereas; Edmonds, Washington is no different than any other community across the
country, and chooses to publicly place our full support behind local
educators, mental health professionals, athletic coaches, the faith
community, law enforcement officers, and parents as partners in supporting
our community and simply being available to talk openly and listen without
judgement to one another; and
Whereas; every member of our community should understand that throughout life's
struggles we all need the occasional reminder that we are all fighting our
own battles; and
Whereas; we encourage all residents to take the time to reflect on their own wellbeing
as well as to check in with their family, friends, and neighbors on a regular
basis and to honestly communicate their appreciation for their existence by
any gesture they deem appropriate. A simple phone call, text message,
note, handshake, or hug, can go a long way towards helping someone
realize that they matter and help them overcome a potential suicidal crisis.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Edmonds Mayor and City Council do hereby
proclaim the month of September 2020 as Suicide Prevention Month in the City of
Edmonds.
Dated this 1st day of September, 2020.
Michael Nelson, Mayor
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, CityCpj hcil ({resident
We can all help prevent suicide; the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 241-1,
free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for
you or your loved ones. Pease call 1-800-2 73- TALK (8255) or visit
suicidepreventionlifeline. org
0 CITY OF EOMONDSO