Westmont, Illinois - Date Issued: September 2, 2021
At a recent meeting, the Westmont Village Board approved a National Suicide Prevention + Action Month Proclamation (N.S.P.A.M.P.) declaring September as National Suicide Prevention month in the Village of Westmont. Internationally, September is known as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and is intended to help raise the visibility of mental health resources.
“This proclamation is an easy first step for communities to take and bring attention to such a difficult subject,” said Bev Schwartz, Assistant Director of Public Policy at Hope for the Day. “Our goal is to let people know that there are resources available to those who need help and that there is strength in the Hope For The Day message IT'S OK NOT TO BE OKⓇ!”
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
The importance of promoting positive mental health is more important than ever. Currently, suicide completion rates have surged to a 30-year high. It is estimated that one in four people report a mental health crisis in their life. Globally, over 800,000 suicides are reported each year, with many more going unreported. In the United States, more than 120 individuals complete suicide on a daily basis.
Some of the themes captured in the proclamation include:
- Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, income level, religion, or background.
- According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), in 2019 more than 47,511 Americans died by suicide, an estimated 1.38 Million attempted suicide.
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the US.
- Global organizations such as Hope For The Day (HFTD) , national organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and local organizations like Suicide Prevention Services (SPS) are on the front lines of a battle to open minds, save lives and restore hope.
- Everyone should understand that throughout life’s struggles we all need the occasional reminder that we are all silently fighting our own battles.
- People are encouraged to take the time to inquire as to the wellbeing of their family, friends, and neighbors and to genuinely convey appreciation for their existence by any gesture they deem appropriate.
- Everyone can all help prevent suicide.
SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES
If you or someone you know needs help, please visit the Hope for the Day website and type in your zip code for a list of vetted social services including local mental health resources in our community. To learn more about this program, visit the National Suicide Prevention + Action Month Proclamation website.
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