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7 <br /> 1 Commissioner Richards said she was pleasantly surprised by 4-H after looking at the <br /> 2 materials included in the agenda packet and all of the work they do. She congratulated them for <br /> 3 the relevance to the current times, and efforts at reaching a diverse group of young people. <br /> 4 Chair Price said every 4-H event she goes to is very well done. She said people work <br /> 5 well together and the students are impressive. <br /> 6 <br /> 7 b. Proclamation Designating September 2021 as Suicide Prevention Month <br /> 8 The Board approved a proclamation designating September 2021 as Suicide Prevention <br /> 9 Month in Orange County. <br /> 10 <br /> 11 BACKGROUND: <br /> 12 This month recognizes suicide as a serious public health problem that can have long-lasting <br /> 13 effects on individuals, families and communities. Everyone also recognizes that suicide is <br /> 14 preventable and that everyone can help by learning the warning signs, promoting prevention <br /> 15 and resilience and making necessary social changes. <br /> 16 <br /> 17 Quintana Stewart, Public Health Director, addressed the Board. She said this is an issue <br /> 18 that needs to be addressed all year long, and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has <br /> 19 resources available 24/7 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HELLO to 741-741. She said these are <br /> 20 free resources are available 24/7 and all information is kept confidential. <br /> 21 Commissioner Hamilton read the proclamation, and noted that she made some changes <br /> 22 from the original draft that was published: <br /> 23 <br /> 24 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> 25 PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 2021 <br /> 26 AS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH <br /> 27 <br /> 28 WHEREAS, September is National Suicide Prevention Month and is intended to help <br /> 29 raise awareness surrounding suicide prevention resources available in the community; and <br /> 30 <br /> 31 WHEREAS, suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, <br /> 32 income level, religion or background; and <br /> 33 <br /> 34 WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the 10th leading cause of <br /> 35 death in the United States, is the 2nd leading cause of death for those 10-34 years of age, and <br /> 36 was responsible for more than 47,500 deaths in 2019; and <br /> 37 <br /> 38 WHEREAS, from 2014 through 2018, Orange County lost 70 lives to suicide; and <br /> 39 <br /> 40 WHEREAS, suicide and suicide attempts affect the health and well-being of friends, loved ones, <br /> 41 co-workers, and the community; and <br /> 42 <br /> 43 WHEREAS, every member of our community should understand that throughout life's struggles <br /> 44 we need reminders that we are not alone and can reach out for help; and <br /> 45 <br /> 46 WHEREAS, Orange County chooses to publicly state and place our full support behind local <br /> 47 educators, mental and physical health professionals, athletic coaches, scout leaders, police <br /> 48 officers, faith leaders, and parents as partners in supporting our community in being available to <br /> 49 one another; and <br /> 50 <br />