RECOMMENDATION(S):
ADOPT Resolution No. 2019/540 to declare September 2019 Suicide Prevention Month for Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Health Services Director.
BACKGROUND:
In the United States of America, 47,173 individuals died by suicide in 2017 (the most recent year for which we have official statistics). Suicide is the tenth leading cause of all deaths in the United States and the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15 and 24. In Contra Costa County, 102 individuals took their lives in 2018. It is a generally accepted belief that for each completed suicide, there are about 100 attempts. That would mean that over 10,000 individuals attempted suicide in Contra Costa County in 2018. Firearm is the leading method of suicide.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Not recognizing Suicide Prevention Month will negatively impact the rate of suicide, and the level of shame, stigma and isolation around suicide for survivors and family members.
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