2022 09 06 Item IV. A. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month ProclamationsMINUTE FILE
Office of the Mayor
Okeechobee, Florida
VHEREAS, 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
VHEREAS, suicide rates on the Treasure Coast and in Okeechobee were increasing in the first
half of 2022 according to our Medical Examiner's Office with four suicide deaths in
Okeechobee County in quarter one of 2022; and
VHEREAS, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States with an average 130
suicides each day; and
VHEREAS, in 2020, there were an estimated 1.20 million suicide attempts; and
VHEREAS, in 2020, the age -adjusted rate per 100,000 population of Suicide Deaths (All) in
Okeechobee County was 15.2 compared to Florida at 13.1; and
VHEREAS, in Okeechobee County there were 9 suicide deaths in 2021, a 23.90 percent year
over year increase from 2020; and
VHEREAS, suicide is the only type of death that is 100% preventable; and by offering public
education, data, support, and services we as a community have taken a step toward
preventing another suicide by our residents those resilient people with the capacity to
recover, rebound, and heal.
OW, THEREFORE, 1, 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
2022 as "Suicide Prevention Awareness Month."
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, on September 6, 2022, I have
set my hand and caused this seal to be affixed
otvling Ie atforc_; Jr., Mayor
Attest:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
Office of the Mayor
Okeechobee, Florida
WHEREAS, the month of September is National Suicide Prevention month, a time in
which individuals, organizations, and communities around the country join
their voices to amplify the message that suicide can be prevented; and
WHEREAS, Suicide affects individuals, families, and communities across Okeechobee
County, Florida, and the nation; and
WHEREAS, Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34, the
fourth leading. cause among people ages 34 to 54, and the fifth leading cause
among people ages 45 to 54; and
WHEREAS, Okeechobee County is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to
those affected by suicide, through education, advocacy, and resources for those
who have lost someone to suicide or who are contemplating suicide themselves;
and
WHEREAS, we recognize suicide as a preventable national and state public health
problem and declare suicide prevention to be a priority and support culturally
informed and evidence -based mental health care and services; and
WHEREAS, Okeechobee County, recognizes the impact of awareness and education,
access to services, acceptance of the importance of mental health and well-being
to a person's overall success, and supports the implementation of trauma
informed approaches throughout the systems of care
NOW THEREFORE, T, 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 2022, as "Suicide Awareness Month."
In witness whereof, on September 6, 2022, I have
set my hand and caused this seal to be affixed