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Recognizing September 10, 2024 as Suicide Prevention Day in the City of Philadelphia, and affirming the need for suicide prevention awareness and robust mental health services.
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WHEREAS, World Suicide Prevention Day is a worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, to raise awareness about suicide warning signs, to advocate for suicide prevention services, to reduce the stigma associated with suicide, and to support those who have attempted suicide; and
WHEREAS, The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation". This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support; and
WHEREAS, Suicide is an extremely complex, but preventable, health issue that requires compassion, empathy, trust, understanding, and access to professional services; and
WHEREAS, According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 48,433 Americans died by suicide in 2018 and the number is continuing to rise, making it the 10th leading causes of death in the nation overall; and
WHEREAS, Placing too much emphasis on hospitalizations can alienate individuals seeking support. When someone expresses suicidal thought, hospitalization should only be utilized when a crisis cannot be managed through community supports. Alternative methods to hospitalization must be explored in order to intervene earlier, prevent suicide attempts, decrease the stigma surrounding suicidality, and increase feelings of safety; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia is taking active steps to combat suicide. The Philadelphia Suicide Prevention Task Force, spearheaded by the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual di...
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