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A resolution recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
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WHEREAS, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of over 47,000 individuals each year; and
WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one person dies by suicide every 11.7 minutes; and
WHEREAS, suicide is the second leading cause of deaths for ages 25-34 and third leading cause of deaths for ages 15-24; and
WHEREAS, the suicide rate for 2021 in Davidson County was 14.3 individuals per 100,000 residents; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, the Metro Public Health Department reported 115 Metro Nashville residents died by suicide, the highest number seen in the last five years in Davidson County, and these tragedies deeply affect the family, friends, and communities of those individuals; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council publicly places its full support behind those who work in the fields of mental health, education, and law enforcement assisting in life-saving measures to prevent suicide; and
WHEREAS, the Lloyd C. Elam Mental Health Center provides essential mental health services, including initial assessments and ongoing care for mental health and substance use disorders, to the residents of Metro Nashville, Davidson County, and the state of Tennessee, thereby playing a crucial role in suicide prevention; and
WHEREAS, every day in Davidson County, adults and teens are receiving care and treatment from Lloyd C. Elam Mental Health Center embarking on the road to better mental health and wellness; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council truly appreciates the Lloyd C. Elam Mental Health Center, Meharry Medical Group, Meharry Medical College and its faculty, physicians, clinicians, counselors, nurses and employees for their work in keeping residents of Davidson County healthy in body and mind.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby recognizes the month of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Nashville and Davidson County; calling upon all residents, government agencies, organizations, and businesses to join in this effort to raise awareness of Suicide Prevention and promote mental well-being for all.
Section 2. The Metropolitan County Council further goes on record as proclaiming the efforts of The Lloyd C. Elam Mental Health Center, Meharry Medical Group, and Meharry Medical College are to be commended for their dedication to improving the mental health of individuals and families by working to prevent suicide in our community.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.