Governor Proclaims National Suicide Prevention Week 2021

WHEREAS, suicide remains the 10^th leading cause of death in the United States and the 2^nd leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 to 34; over 47,000 people died by suicide and an estimated 1.38 million suicides were attempted in 2019; and

WHEREAS, suicide rates have increased 30% over the last two decades, with suicide rates finally decreasing 2.1% between 2018 and 2019; and

WHEREAS, in 2019, 1,358 people died by suicide in North Carolina making suicide the 12^th leading cause of death in the state; and

WHEREAS, over 90% of the people who die by suicide have a diagnosable and treatable mental health condition, although the condition is often not recognized or treated; and

WHEREAS, organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are dedicated to saving lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide through research, education, advocacy and resources for those who have lost someone to suicide or who are struggling themselves; and

WHEREAS, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention urges everyone to recognize suicide as a preventable health problem, acknowledge that no single suicide prevention program or effort will be appropriate for all communities, address the disparity within access to mental healthcare for underrepresented groups, fund new suicide research efforts to support culturally-informed and evidence-based mental health care and services, encourage initiatives based on the goals contained in the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the 2015 North Carolina Suicide Prevention Plan, promote awareness that there is no single cause for suicide, and develop and implement strategies to improve and increase access to quality mental health programs;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 5-11, 2021, as “NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.