Dated: September 13, 2023
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 mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness; and WHEREAS, we believe suicide is not inevitable for anyone. By starting conversations, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives; and
WHEREAS, the highest rates of suicide in the United States are among Native Americans/Alaskan Natives followed by non-Hispanic white males; and WHEREAS, transgender adults are nearly nine times more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their lives compared to the general population; and WHEREAS, evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones, we can help others; 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 Open Space at Linden and Pine, and the linear park on Mission Road at Chestnut Avenue to provide our community support through their struggles; and
WHEREAS, those experiencing a mental health crisis can 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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Buenaflor Nicolas, Mayor
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Mark Nagales, Vice Mayor
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Mark Addiego, Councilmember
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James Coleman, Councilmember
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Eddie Flores, Councilmember