A proclamation: Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week, Jan. 23, 2014

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 problem. It is the eleventh overall leading cause of death in Georgia but third for individuals 15-24 years of age. Tragically, more Georgians die by suicide than by homicide; and
In 2011, suicide claimed the lives of over 1,1 00 Georgia citizens and touched the lives of countless others, including the families and loved ones left behind. Many deaths by suicide are preventable through a multi-faceted approach, including developing and implementing public information campaigns designed to increase knowledge of suicide prevention and understanding the role of risk and protective factors. Building awareness of the public health problem presented by suicide and the resources available to reduce its impact is an essential step in this ongoing effort; and
The most effective way to prevent a public health problem like suicide is for people from every walk of life, faith, ethnic background, and age group to work together for a strong social support network. A truly successful prevention plan must include more than just mental health professionals. Suicide is everyone's problem; and
The Georgia Suicide Prevention Plan, adopted june 30, 2001, provides a framework for every Georgian to become involved in preventing suicide; and
The collaboration among government agencies and public and private partners should be encouraged and supported. The implementation of the Suicide Prevention Plan is supported by many notable Georgia organizations, governmental agencies, and individuals; now
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim September 713, 2014, as SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS WEEK in Georgia and recognize suicide as a serious public health issue in our state.
lri witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 23rd day of january in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen.

GOVERNOR
ATTEST
e~EF-:;TA~