HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-20-2022; 4-c - Proclamation Designating September 2022 as Suicide Prevention Month 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 20, 2022
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-c
SUBJECT: Proclamation Designating September 2022 as Suicide Prevention Month
DEPARTMENT: County Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Quintana Stewart, Orange County
Proclamation Health Director, 919-245-2412
Suicide Prevention & Awareness Walk Renee Price, BOCC Chair, 919-245-
Flyer 2130
PURPOSE: To:
1. Approve a proclamation designating September 2022 as Suicide Prevention Month
in Orange County; and
2. Promote the upcoming Suicide Prevention & Awareness Walk "Path for Hope"
scheduled for Thursday, September 29, 2022, 6:30pm — 8pm, Leigh Farm Park
located at 370 Leigh Farm Road, Durham, NC 27707, just north of NC 54 at the I-
40 Intersection.
BACKGROUND: This month recognizes suicide as a serious public health problem that can have
long-lasting effects on individuals, families and communities. Everyone also recognizes that
suicide is preventable and that everyone can help by learning the warning signs, promoting
prevention and resilience and making necessary social changes.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated
with consideration of the proclamation.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with consideration of the proclamation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the attached proclamation recognizing September 2022 as Suicide Prevention
Month in Orange County.
2
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 2022
AS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
WHEREAS, September is known as National Suicide Prevention Month and is intended to help
raise awareness surrounding suicide prevention resources available in the community; and
WHEREAS, suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, orientation,
income level, religion or background; and
WHEREAS, according to the North Carolina Injury Violence and Prevention Branch, suicide is the
second leading causes of death for youth in North Carolina ages 10 to 18, and the third leading
cause of death for those ages 19 to 341.; and
WHEREAS, from 2016 to 2020, Orange County lost 72 lives to suicide 2; and
WHEREAS, suicide and suicide attempts affect the health and well-being of friends, loved ones,
co-workers, and the community; and
WHEREAS, every member of our community should understand that throughout life's struggles
we all need the occasional reminder that we are all silently fighting our own battles; and
WHEREAS, Orange County chooses to publicly state and place its full support behind the 988
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, local educators, mental health professionals, athletic coaches, pack
leaders, police officers, and parents as partners in supporting our community in simply being
available to one another; and
WHEREAS, all residents are encouraged to take the time to inquire as to the wellbeing of their
family, friends, and neighbors over the next few days and to genuinely convey their appreciation
for their existence by any gesture they deem appropriate;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim
September 2022 as Suicide Prevention Month in Orange County, recognizing suicide as a serious
public health problem that can have long-lasting effects on individuals, families and communities,
that suicide is preventable, and that everyone can help by learning the warning signs, promoting
prevention and resilience, and making necessary social changes.
This the 20t" Day of September 2022.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
NC DHHS(2022). Suicide and Self-Inflicted Injury Data; Injury and Violence Prevention Branch. Accessed from
hqps://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.hti-nl
2 NC DHHS(2022). Suicide Trends and Demographics; Suicide—Orange County, 5-year Rate; Accessed from
haps://dashboards.ncdhhs.gov/t/DPH/views/NCVDRSDashboard/NC-
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afor
Suicide Prevention &
Awareness Walk a
206 shoes will be on display to honor the
206 Durham and Orange County community
members who lost their lives to suicide from
2016 to 2020. "
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Weare collecting gently used shoes,for the "' 988 -"W
event.To donate shoes, email
wrobinson@dconc.gov for Durham County
and arawlinson@orangecountync.gov for Featuring Speaker `
Orange County.
Rwenshaun Miller LIFELINE
Interpreter services and/or special sound
equipment are free and available on request.
Call 919-245-2398 or 919-245-2400 in advance
of the event.
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