WHEREAS, suicide is one of the most disruptive and tragic events a family and a community can experience, with more than 1100 lives lost in Tennessee each year and an estimated 25 attempted suicides for each suicide death; and

WHEREAS, suicide is the 9th-leading cause of all deaths in Tennessee, the second-leading cause of death among youth ages of 10 to 24, and the first leading cause for children ages 10-17; and

WHEREAS, more than three lives a day are lost to suicide in Tennessee, which means we lose 22 Tennesseans each week and 97 people per month; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee veterans, active-duty military, and National Guardsmen face a disproportionate risk as compared to the general population, with more dying from suicide than combat; and

WHEREAS, public awareness of this tragic problem is the key to preventing further suffering and loss of life; and the risk for human self-destruction can be reduced through awareness, education and treatment as the highest risk for suicide is among the survivors of those who died by suicide or those who have attempted suicide; and

WHEREAS, suicide prevention has been declared a state priority by the Governor; and the Tennessee Legislature has declared teen suicide prevention as a state priority in partnership with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network to implement the Tennessee Strategy for Suicide Prevention; and

WHEREAS, the Governor of Tennessee has appointed a Suicide Prevention Network Advisory Council to coordinate the implementation of the Tennessee Strategy for Suicide Prevention; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network is a grassroots collaboration of Tennesseans and organizations working to eliminate the stigma of suicide, educate the community about the warning signs of suicide, and ultimately reduce the rate of suicide in our state; and

WHEREAS, 2021 marks Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network’s 21st year of dedicated efforts to reach every Tennessean in every county; and

WHEREAS, every member of our community should understand that throughout life’s struggles, we all need occasional reminders that we all fight silent battles; and

WHEREAS, we encourage all Tennesseans to take the time to inquire as to the well being of their family, friends, and to genuinely convey their appreciation for their existence by any gesture they deem appropriate. A simple phone call, message, handshake, or hug can go a long way towards helping someone realize that suicide is not the answer;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Allen Foster, Mayor of Cumberland County, do hereby proclaim September

2021, as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Cumberland County, Tennessee, and urge all citizens to work to prevent suicide and to raise awareness and be tolerant of all affected by this tragedy.