Friday, September 20, 2024
The Hood County Commissioners Court officially designated Tuesday, Sept. 24 Suicide Awareness Day during a regularly scheduled meeting Aug. 27.
According to the proclamation read by Chris Langer, coalition coordinator for the STAR Council on Substance Abuse, suicide is a serious public health crisis that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds within our community.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., affecting individuals across all demographics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that more than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022, highlighting the profound impact this issue has on families, friends and communities. Every life lost represents not just a statistic, but a deep personal tragedy that reverberates through the lives of those left behind.
According to the CDC’s National Vital Statistics System, there were 49,476 suicides in the United States in 2022, translating to a rate of 14.8 deaths per 100,000 population. Of these, firearm suicides were the most common, accounting for 27,032 deaths. Suffocation and poisoning also contributed to the suicide rate, with 12,247 and 6,150 deaths respectively.
While the statistics are staggering, the CDC also reveals that a significant number of people grapple with suicidal thoughts. In 2022, 13.2 million individuals seriously contemplated suicide, with 3.8 million devising a plan and 1.6 million making an attempt to end their lives.
In 2022, people aged 85 and older experienced the highest rates of suicide. Additionally, the suicide rate among males was approximately four times higher than that of females, with men representing 50% of the population but nearly 80% of suicides. The highest suicide rates were also observed among nonHispanic American Indian and Alaska Native people, as well as nonHispanic white individuals.
The proclamation of Suicide Awareness Day is an effort by the Hood County Commissioners Court to foster a supportive environment where individuals feel safe to seek help for mental health. According to the proclamation, the hope is that through education, outreach, understanding and collaboration, Hood County can create a community where hope is pervasive, as we honor and warmly remember those whose lives were lost to suicide.
In a unanimous decision, the Hood County Commissioners Court proclaimed Tuesday, Sept. 24 Suicide Awareness Day in Hood County to recognize those we have lost to suicide as well as to who we can, and have, saved.
“Mental health matters,” the proclamation reads. “You are not alone. There is hope, and help is available.”
For those in need of immediate assistance or who are concerned about someone else, reach out to local mental health services or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 — a 24/7 crisis support service.
