Dated: September 6, 2022
IN RECOGNITION OF SEPTEMBER AS
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, September is known around the United States as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month when millions of people around the world join their voices to share a message of hope and healing; and
WHEREAS, many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety; and
WHEREAS, suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, income level, religion, or background; and WHEREAS, it is essential that we educate residents about suicide, mental health and substance abuse problems and the ways they affect all people in the community; and WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco is dedicated to helping spread awareness about mental health by installing two yellow benches; one located at the Linden Greenspot at Linden and Pine, and the other at the linear park on Mission Road at Chestnut Avenue, because we want to show people that our community supports them through their struggles and that there is help available; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, people experiencing a mental health crisis have a new way to reach out for help in the United States. Modeled after 911, the new three-digit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is designed to be a memorable and quick number that connects people who are suicidal or in any other mental health crisis to a trained mental health professional; and WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco is proud to partner with StarVista, a nonprofit organization that has helped people throughout San Mateo County navigate life’s challenges through counseling, crisis prevention, youth housing, and early childhood programs; and
WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco is also involved with the Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team pilot program in San Mateo County which embeds a mental health clinician from StarVista within the South San Francisco Police Department to provide improved emergency response to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco does hereby proclaim September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and we are united in raising awareness that prevention is possible, treatment is effective, and people do recover.
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Mark Nagales, Mayor
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Buenaflor Nicolas, Vice Mayor
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Mark Addiego, Councilmember
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James Coleman, Councilmember
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Eddie Flores, Councilmember