2021-09-07 Proclamation - National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month�-
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Office of the Mayor
Okeechobee, Florida
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WHEREAS, September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which directs the
community's attention to this public health epidemic destroying lives, whole families, and
sometimes entire communities; and
WHEREAS, suicide rates on the Treasure Coast and in Okeechobee were increasing in the first half
of 2021 according to ozrr Medical Examiner's Office; and
WHEREAS, there were neui�ly h�vo anc�' a hcrlf tin�es as rncz»y suicic�es (-�7.511) ir� the Us�itec� Stcr�es
as tl2eYe ��er•e hon�icides (19,1 �1); and
WHEREAS, for every completed suicide in 2019, there weYe 29.OS attempts at suicide; and
WHEREAS, the second leading cause of death for ages 10-34 and the fourth leading cause for ages
35-54, suicide is a major contributor to premature mortality; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, the age-c�djustect rate per 100,000 population of Sacicide Deatlzs (Al[) in
Olceechobee County was 21.9 compared to Florida at 14.5; and
WHEREAS, suicide is the only type of death that is 100% preventable; and by offering the public
education, data, support, and services we as a community have taken a step totivard
preventing another suicide by our residents; and
WHEREAS, we are honored to be part of the healing process, raising awareness for and support of
those affected by suicide by offering supporting services addressing mental health illnesses
and drug and alcohol addiction.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dowling R. Watford, Jr., by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor
of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2021 as
"Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. "
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, on September 7, 2021, I have
set hand and caused this seal o e af�.zed
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"' � Dowli � R. �rtford Jn Mayor
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Attest: �' � � y'�C.I�I � "� � �_�_ �
�� Lane Gamiotea, CMC, Ciry Clerk '
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