RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
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RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
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WHEREAS, September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month which is recognized as a time to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize seeking help. This year, the theme of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is “Together in Strength, Dignity, Hope, and Purpose”; and
WHEREAS, suicide is a serious public health problem, placing among the top 10 causes of death for people ages 10 to 64, and ranking within the top three for ages 10 through 34, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Roughly every eleven minutes, a person dies by suicide in the U.S. Rates of suicide attempts continue to rise among adolescents, and overall rates are highest among Native Americans and Native Alaskans, both historically underrepresented and underserved groups; and
WHEREAS, September was first declared as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in 2008, with the goal of raising awareness, spreading hope, and sparking meaningful action around suicide, one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time; and
WHEREAS, suicide affects millions of people every year, yet many struggle in silence, and the stigma associated with mental health conditions and suicidal ideation deters individuals at risk for suicide from seeking lifesaving help; and
WHEREAS, an important part of suicide prevention is being aware of the warning signs of suicidal behaviors, which include increased drug and alcohol use; withdrawal from friends, family and community; impulsive or reckless behavior; collecting and saving pills or buying a weapon; giving away possessions; tying up loose ends, like organizing personal papers or paying off debts; and saying goodbye to friends and family; and
WHEREAS, the availability of resources is crucial in suicide prevention. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of self-harm can get immediate help from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline via call or text at 988, or via chat at 988lifeline.org; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: September 18, 2025