September 24, 2024
City Council
DATE: September 24, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Council Member Soheila Bana
Subject:
Proclamation to declare the month of September as
National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with the adoption of this proclamation.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Proclamation to declare the month of September as
National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month in the
City of Richmond
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION declaring the month of September as
National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month in the
City of Richmond - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-
620-6743).
AGENDA
REPORT
September 24, 2024
DISCUSSION:
Suicide is a significant public health issue that claims the lives of more than 48,000 people annually in the United States. For every life lost to suicide, an estimated 135 individuals are directly affected, meaning nearly 6.5 million people experience the effects of suicide loss each year. In Contra Costa County, including Richmond, the suicide rate is approximately 9 to 10 deaths per 100,000 residents, underscoring the local relevance of this issue.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and isolation, particularly among vulnerable populations including youth, veterans, and communities of color. These societal stressors have intensified the need for increased awareness, intervention, and access to mental health resources.
By declaring September as National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month in the City of Richmond, we can increase awareness to promote open discussions on mental health, to foster a supportive environment where individuals at risk feel seen, heard, and feel safe to ask for help, reducing the number of lives lost to suicide.
The proclamation aims to encourage all Richmond residents, along with city leaders, educators, employers, and healthcare providers, to unite in their efforts to increasing awareness to address the stigma surrounding suicide and to support those who experience challenges with their mental health by advocating for accessible mental health resources.
This proclamation encourages the City of Richmond to stand in solidarity with all those impacted by suicide and work toward a future where no one feels alone in their struggles.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proclamation
Attachment 2 – Suicide Awareness Event Flyer