BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA
A PROCLAMATION
SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS WEEK
WHEREAS:
WHEREAS:
WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS : THEREFORE:
Suicide has been declared a serious public health problem by the United States Surgeon General. Suicide claims the lives of many Georgia citizens each year and touches the lives of countless others, including the families and loved ones affected by this tragic prob lem . It is the eleventh overa ll leading cause of death in Georgia but third for individuals 1 5-24 years of age. Tragically, more Georgians die by su icide than by homicid e; and
ln 2010, su icide claimed the lives of over 1,100 Georgia citizens and touched the lives of countless others , including the families and loved ones left behind . Many deaths by su icid e are preventab le through a multi-faceted approach, including developing and implementing public information campaigns designed to increase knowledge of suic ide prevention, and understanding the role of risk and protective factors. Building awareness of the public health problem presented by suicide and the resources avai lable to reduce its impact is an essential step in th is ongoin g effort; and
The most effective way to prevent a publi c health problem like su icide is for people from every walk of life, every faith, every ethn ic background, and every age group to work together for a strong social support network. A tru ly successful prevention plan must include more than just mental health professionals; and
The Georgia Su icide Prevention Plan adopted june 30, 2001, provides a framework for every Georg ian to become involved in preventing su icid e; and
The col laboration among government agencies and pub lic and private partners shou ld be encouraged and supported . Th e implementation of the Suicide Prevention Plan is supported by many notable Georg ia organ izations , governmental agencies , and individuals; now
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governo r of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim September 8-
14 , 2013, as SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS WEEK in Georgia and recogn ize su icide as a serious publi c health issue in our state.
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 29th day of January in t he year of ou r Lord two thousand thirteen.
ATT EST
GOVERNOR
CH IEF Of STAFf