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TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, September is recognized nationally as National Suicide Prevention Month, an observance dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, reducing stigma, encouraging education, and reminding individuals and communities that suicide is preventable and that help is available; and
WHEREAS, suicide represents a serious public-health concern affecting individuals, families, schools, workplaces, veterans, first responders, and communities throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, suicide prevention is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation among families, health-care professionals, behavioral-health providers, schools, employers, first responders, faith communities, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community leaders; and
WHEREAS, prevention efforts include recognizing warning signs, increasing awareness, strengthening social connections, reducing stigma surrounding mental-health challenges, improving access to behavioral-health services, and encouraging individuals experiencing a crisis to seek assistance; and
WHEREAS, the loss of a person to suicide creates profound and lasting grief for families, friends, coworkers, classmates, and entire communities; and
WHEREAS, many individuals experiencing emotional distress may suffer in silence because of fear, stigma, shame, isolation, or the belief that seeking assistance is a sign of weakness; and
WHEREAS, creating a community in which people can openly discuss emotional and mental-health challenges and seek appropriate assistance without fear of judgment is an important component of suicide prevention; and
WHEREAS, the County of Genesee recognizes the importance of prevention, education, early intervention, compassionate support, and access to appropriate professional resources; and
WHEREAS, Nati...
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